Bill Would Give Rights To Unwed Biological Fathers

A 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.