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You're the Father
She's Pregnant and You're the Father, So Where Do You Go from Here?
That's a good question. And just by asking it, you're on the right track. Standing beside this woman and her child is where you belong. After all, you're the father of the child.
You helped bring the mother and baby to this moment. So it's only right that you should ask questions and help make decisions.
You're also right in not suspecting for a moment that this will all go away and be forgotten. It can never by that way. You know that from this day forward, you have created life. And life is in your hands.
Becoming your child's legal father gives you the chance to be a dad. You get to have a say in legal matters concerning the child and the child gets a chance to grow up secure in the love and support of both parents. When parents take responsibility for their child, the child builds a sense of identity and gains better self-esteem.
How to Establish Paternity
With your agreement, both parents sign a legal form establishing paternity. The form is called different names in different states. For example, the form may be called a paternity establishment affidavit, declaration of paternity, or consent agreement.
You can get the form at the hospital where your baby was born or at the child support office. (Look for the number of your local social services department in the White Pages under the name of your county or state. Someone there can give you the number to call for your local child support office. Or, you can contact the Federal Office of Child Support Enforcement, 370 L'Enfant Promenade, S.W., Washington DC 20447, 1-202-401-9373. If present at the hospital, both parents will get information about the rights and responsibilities of paternity.
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