I thought an unwed mother automatcally received sole custody of a child. Is this wrong? If the father wants to have visitation he has to file right? What is an average visitation schedule for a newborn?

Sole custody does not mean that the father does not get visits, the min visits are normally every other weekend and often one weekday evening during that two week period esp as the child gets to be 6 months to one year. But there is no reason a father can't keep and share equal time with the child. Being a mother does not make you any more or less able to care for a child.

But more visits are often given.

Also the father has full right to ask for ( and often get) joint custody.

Being married or not being married has no bearing on custody,

It was my understanding that in the state of California, the unwed mother is considered sole custody unless the father files. He would have to prove paternity before visitations are established right? There are some wonderful fathers out there and every father deserves a chance. I am for that. It depends on each situation.

If the father does not file anything, she is in default, but she has no court order either, and no order of child support normally.

She can file for sole custody and if the father does not respond or does not file any anything.

This does not stop the father from of course much latter going and filing for visits.

Forgive me for being ignorant, but what does being in default mean? Does it mean the mother is left with the custody until either one files?