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Teen Dad
by Alyson K. Sickels, 12.06.01
If you're about to become a father, it's important to know your rights and responsibilities.
Your Rights
First things first — establish paternity as soon as possible after your baby is born. When your baby's mother gives birth, you'll probably receive a form at the hospital that asks you to acknowledge that you are the baby's father. Signing this paternity form is the first step in protecting your child and legally establishing your relationship. Because it is a legal document, you may want to ask your parent or another trusted adult to review it before you sign so you understand exactly what it means. If you don't receive a paternity form at the hospital, ask a hospital administrator which public office you should go to for a form
Without your signature on the paternity form, visitation and custody rights are out of the question. In fact, you may lose any and all rights to be a part of your child's life. When you sign, your child will be entitled to lifelong benefits, such as Social Security, health care coverage, or veteran's benefits, should you decide to enter the military. Your child will also be able to receive an inheritance. And your child's health care providers will be able to treat and prevent illnesses by knowing the family's medical history. But most importantly, your child will have a daddy who protects his relationship with his child.
If you choose not to sign the paternity form, a court may force you to take a blood test to prove paternity. Then, it'll cost time, money, and no doubt a lot of unnecessary stress. You can be ordered to take the test at anytime until the child is 18.
Your Responsibilities
It's your responsibility to provide money — officially known as child support — for food, clothes, an education, medical care, shelter, and other life necessities. Quitting school is always a bad idea, but you should get an after-school job. Most states require that child support be paid monthly until the child turns 18, regardless of whether you're a student, in the military, or unemployed. That's true even if the mother lives with her parents, goes on welfare, or gets married.
You shouldn't run away from your obligation to support your child. If you try and they find you, money can be taken automatically from your paychecks, tax refunds, or in the form of personal property, like your car. If that isn't bad enough, your credit will be ruined, and you won't be able to get a credit card, replace the car that was confiscated, or rent an apartment or buy a house. You may be sued and even end up in jail. So, it's to your advantage, as well as your child's, that you pay your child support on time.
No amount of money will ever be a substitute for a close father/child relationship. Emotional support is a responsibility, too. It includes attention, care, affection, and unconditional L-O-V-E. In fact, some states will take your parental rights away if you don't visit, call, write, or e-mail your child for a certain amount of time.
Parenthood is an emotional and financial commitment that lasts at least 18 years. If you hold up your part of the bargain, you can participate fully in your child's life. You'll see your child's first smile, first step, and first day of school; and pass on your love of baseball, family traditions, and music.
Updated May 2005. |
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