Multiple Fathers
Like many states, Illinois statutes relating to marriage and children often and mistakenly assume women do not cheat on their husbands. For example, if a child is born to a married couple, and nothing is said or done by either person, the state (and the courts) presume the husband is the father. Ok, thats a good assumption. But what if its not the case? At the risk of sounding like Jerry Springer, there have been two people who have asked me questions recently along the lines of "I'm married and had a child, my husband is on the birth certificate. What rights does the actual father have to see the child?"
Now, setting aside my non-legal opinion regarding promiscuity and birth control, I still find such questions insulting from a legal perspective. First, the biological father should have a chance to develop a relationship with his child. Of course, the overriding factor is 'best interest of the child', and the court will look to that and NOT what would make the biological father happy. However, the biological mother usually cuts out the biological father (after all, his usefulness is over) and creates a baby rearing dynamic that is sure to lead the court to cut out the biological father in the name of 'not disrupting the environment' of the baby.
Don't worry Biological dad, if the mother ever gets divorce, and she thinks you would be a better child support donor, she can go about having the state recognize you as the father, and then you lose 20% of your income (plus its unlikely you will get to see the child).
My advice for almost EVERY legal matter is to demand/fight for your legal rights immediately. Waiting usually reduces your right to claim a grievance or get redress.
Men: If you are in a situation where you do not want to confront these complicated legal issues and do not want children from your 'funtime', there are ways to insure this (hint: they are round and in the drug store).
