If your partner is pregnant and you aren’t married, you may be unsure where that puts you legally. Are you considered the father automatically? Will you have to pay child support or have other responsibilities?
In South Carolina, marriage isn’t the only factor that determines a father’s legal relationship with his child. For unmarried parents, paternity is an important part of establishing that relationship.
If your partner is unexpectedly pregnant, Sumter Pregnancy Center can also help you learn about the pregnancy and the options you’re discussing together. Schedule a free, confidential appointment today to learn more and get your questions answered.
Paternity May Need to Be Established
South Carolina defines paternity as legal fatherhood. When parents are unmarried at the time of their child’s birth, they can establish paternity by completing a Paternity Acknowledgment Affidavit.
According to the South Carolina Department of Social Services, this can be completed at the hospital or later through South Carolina vital records. If there is uncertainty about biological paternity, DSS can provide DNA testing and assist with establishing paternity through the appropriate legal process.
Don’t sign a voluntary acknowledgment if you aren’t certain you’re the biological father. South Carolina DSS specifically advises parents in this situation to pursue genetic testing instead.
What About Child Support?
Establishing paternity and establishing child support are related, but they aren’t the same legal action.
South Carolina DSS explains that establishing paternity through its DNA testing process does not automatically create a child-support order. Child support must also be requested and established through the appropriate process.
When a child-support order is established, South Carolina uses guidelines that consider the income and obligations of both parents. The order can also address matters such as the child’s healthcare coverage.
If you have questions about what you may personally be required to pay, speak with a South Carolina family law attorney rather than relying on estimates from friends or online forums.
Paternity Can Matter for Fathers’ Rights, Too
Legal paternity isn’t only about financial obligations.
South Carolina DSS notes that establishing paternity can allow a father to seek court-ordered custody and visitation. It can also give a child access to the father’s medical history and potential benefits such as health insurance, Social Security, and inheritance.
If adoption is being considered, South Carolina also maintains a Responsible Father Registry. A man who believes he may have fathered a child can register to help protect his right to receive notice of certain adoption or termination-of-parental-rights proceedings.
Ask Questions Now
If you and your partner are still deciding how to proceed with the pregnancy, this is a good time to learn what parenting, adoption, and abortion would involve rather than making assumptions about any of them.
It’s understandable to have many emotions about the pregnancy, especially if it wasn’t planned. We’re here to be an informational resource and help you, too. That’s why Sumter Pregnancy Center provides personalized support for men and information about your partner’s pregnancy options.
Schedule a free, confidential appointment with Sumter Pregnancy Center to get started.
Sumter Pregnancy Center does not provide or refer for abortions.