My wife and I live in Alabama. We have been separated for 7 months. During the separation, my wife became pregnant by another man. We have since reconciled. What are my rights? I have heard through a family friend that, in our state, if a baby is born into a marriage the baby is treated as the product of the marriage. This man says that has hinted that he wants nothing to do with the baby, nor has the means to provide for the baby.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dan221

My wife and I live in Alabama. We have been separated for 7 months. During the separation, my wife became pregnant by another man. We have since reconciled. What are my rights? I have heard through a family friend that, in our state, if a baby is born into a marriage the baby is treated as the product of the marriage. This man says that has hinted that he wants nothing to do with the baby, nor has the means to provide for the baby.

---

I think you should just go on as it is yours. And just see what happens because you love her and will love that baby more than you thought you could ever love anyone.

Quote:

---

When a married couple has a child, the law automatically recognizes the husband as the father. When an unmarried woman has a child, an official act is needed to establish the legal father of the child. This is called establishing paternity. Sometimes a parent may want proof that the man is the biological father of the child. In that case, a genetic test will be used to show that either the man is not the biological father (he is excluded), or, that there is an extremely high probability that the man is the father of the child. The results of a genetic test are then used by the court as evidence of parentage. A court order will then be issued establishing paternity.

---

Establishing Paternity

I would get paternity established now before some years down the road things get ugly - some day the other man could show up and demand visitation, whatever crosses his mind, and I'd rather face it now than later. What happens if you and your wife split up again - are you going to support this child or are you going to decide it's not really your child? Not judging, just stating what could happen.

If the child gets sick and medical history becomes important you are going to have a problem.

Loving or not loving the child is a separate issue and, unfortunately, you asked a legal question.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by dan221

My wife and I live in Alabama. We have been separated for 7 months. During the separation, my wife became pregnant by another man. We have since reconciled. What are my rights? I have heard through a family friend that, in our state, if a baby is born into a marriage the baby is treated as the product of the marriage. This man says that has hinted that he wants nothing to do with the baby, nor has the means to provide for the baby.

---

Rights to avoid the paternity obligations or to accept the legal responsibilities toward the child?:confused: