Fathers' Rights

Father's rights include the right to visit one's children, the requirement that fathers be consulted before their children are offered for adoption, and other legal matters related to men's reproductive issues and a father's relationship with his children. Many of these issues arise when fathers are not married to their child’s mother. And while it is quite controversial, some father’s rights advocates have argued for the right of a father to be involved in a woman’s decision to have an abortion if the child is his. This section includes an overview of father's rights, a primer on how a father can lose his parental rights, and more.

Learn About Fathers' Rights

Child Visitation, Child Custody, and Unmarried Fathers
Getting to see your child when that child is not legally “yours” can be difficult. This article reviews how to start establishing visitation and custody when you haven’t yet established paternity.
Legal Significance of Paternity
Learn about why establishing paternity is important to the life of a child. This article discusses how paternity affects important rights such as the ability to make decisions for the child and the child’s right to inherit.

Unmarried Fathers and Adoption
Unmarried fathers technically have to adopt their children before they can have any parental rights. Read this article to learn what to do in order to be considered your child’s father legally.
Chronology: Establishing Paternity
Paternity can be established at any point after the child is born. Learn about the best methods, whether you are married or unmarried, and regardless of how old the child is.

Fathers' Rights Articles