Unmarried Parents, Paternity and Child Custody

Under the current law in Ohio and Kentucky, the biological mother of a minor child born outside of wedlock is the default legal custodian. Biological unmarried fathers have no initial rights to custody or parenting time, but merely the ability to pursue such rights. Once the father files an action for an allocation of parental rights and responsibilities, the court will not give legal preference to either parent in its determination of what is in the best interests of the child.

Paternity actions primarily involve custody and child support. They may be brought by a father who wishes to have parental rights, by a mother who wishes to establish paternity for support issues, or by a father who wishes to determine paternity.

Our family law attorneys assist parents with each of these legal issues. We welcome you to contact RKPT for a consultation.