Fathers Rights In Illinois

Summary

In Illinois, as a father, you have the right to establish paternity, seek custody or visitation, and are obligated to support the child financially. Breaking up with your partner does not affect these rights if you take the necessary legal steps. Child support is determined by both parents income, number of children, and parenting time. Courts may impute income if a parent is capable but unwilling to work. Establishing paternity is crucial for pursuing custody or visitation. Consider consulting a family law attorney for personalized advice.

Full Conversation

I am * and my girlfriend is *. She is now * weeks pregnant but our relationship is not working. If she decides to keep the baby, what are my rights as the baby’s father? How do I break up with her without jeopardizing my rights?
Hey ****! In Illinois, here are some general rights you have as a father:
- You have the right to establish paternity, which can be done voluntarily or through court.
- You have the right to seek custody or visitation.
- You have the obligation to support the child financially.
Breaking up doesn't affect your rights as long as you take the necessary steps to establish paternity and pursue custody or visitation legally. It's key to handle the breakup respectfully and communicate clearly about your intentions and rights concerning the child.
Have you thought about how you would like to approach the conversation with her?
Am I only financially responsible if I pursue paternity? I don’t agree with her continuing her pregnancy and she initially wanted an abortion but changed her mind.
In Illinois, financial responsibility for a child doesn't solely depend on pursuing paternity. If you're the biological father, you may still be liable for child support even if you don't establish paternity voluntarily. Establishing paternity can, however, help you seek custody or visitation. Have you considered discussing your concerns with a family law attorney?
How is my child support determined, especially considering she is capable but unwilling to work?
Case Rating: *
In Illinois, child support is calculated based on:
- The income of both parents.
- The number of children.
- Parenting time.
- Standard of living before separation.
For unemployment, courts may impute income based on earning potential. Discussing with a family law attorney can provide personalized advice. Would you like more information on this process?