Thursday, 22 September 2011 17:59

Bill Would Give Rights To Unwed Biological Fathers

Written by  Matt Allen
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paternity rightsA package of laws designed to give biological fathers rights when their child is born to a married woman is awaiting a vote in the Michigan legislature.

Currently, Michigan law does not give parental rights to biological fathers if the mother of the child is married at the time of the child's birth to another man.

Daniel Quinn wanted visitation rights and to pay child support after a court-ordered DNA test proved he was the biological father of a daughter born to Candace Beckwith, who was married to another man at the time.

However, Michigan courts have continually denied his appeal because biological fathers have no parental standing in these situations, according to state law.

The current bill that has made its way out of a Senate committee are is awaiting a vote in the full House and Senate, would allow Quinn and other fathers in his situation to petition the court for child custody, according to MLive.com.

Quinn told the website the bill is not meant to take away the rights of a stepfather when the biological father is deemed unfit: "What this will do is on both sides it would open the door for fathers, and untie the hands of our judges and allow them to rule what is best for the child," he said.

Read a previous article on this issue from our sister site DadsDivorce.com: "Parental Rights For Unwed Fathers Challenged"

The divorce lawyers for men at Cordell and Cordell represent fathers in paternity actions. To schedule an appointment with the Cordell & Cordell Law firm, contact the mens divorce attorney nearest you.

 

Last modified on Thursday, 29 September 2011 14:31
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More in this category: « Tennessee Supreme Court Rules Against Lifetime Alimony Men's Rights Spotlight: Fathers and Families »

3 comments

  • Comment Link David Friday, 21 December 2012 07:33 posted by David

    What if she got pregnet then befor she gave birth she got married and divorced a short time later

  • Comment Link Jack Anory Wednesday, 28 November 2012 13:18 posted by Jack Anory

    Candace Beckwith lied to Daniel Quinn. She has recently bribed an old friend to lie for her saying he knew that she wasn't divorced.

  • Comment Link Michele kelly Saturday, 10 November 2012 19:21 posted by Michele kelly

    The new law passed in Michigan giving biological fathers the right to petition the courts for access to their child whose mother is married to another man. The catch is the alleged father cannot bring an action if he "knew or should have known the mother was married ".

    So a man who has a one nightdress with a woman who doesn't know the woman's last name or marital status can bring an action. A man who has a long time relationship with the woman who has his baby is precluded from filing an action with the court, because he knew she was married. The married woman can bring an action as well as her husband against the alleged father.

    I am a Michigan attorney currently fighting this travesty of justice.

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