I live in berks county, pa. I am looking for legal answers on non biological parental rights. And also abandonment laws on children/parents. I have raised my twelve year old since the day he was born. The "sperm donor" was never in the picture. My soon to be ex-wife and I raised him as my own. He just recently found out the story. But has made it very clear that I am his dad. There is a lot to the story but that's the basics. His mother is trying to take him from me! Help??

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Originally Posted by DT186

i live in berks county, pa. i am looking for legal answers on non biological parental rights. and also abandonment laws on children/parents. i have raised my twelve year old since the day he was born. the "sperm donor" was never in the picture. my soon to be ex-wife and i raised him as my own. he just recently found out the story. but has made it very clear that i am his dad. there is alot to the story but thats the basics. his mother is trying to take him from me!! help???

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You have no legal rights - the "sperm donor" is the legal and biological father. You can ask the Court for visitation. He can be interviewed by the Court or a social worker/advocate. The Judge will make the final decision.

Unfortunately - you are not the father in any legal sense.

I must disagree with Judy here. If you signed the birth certificate and accepted the child as your own, then you are the legal father. Its possible that the sperm donor could have overturned that, but unless he does, you are the legal father.

As for abandonment, that doesn't come into play for paternity in your case. But it may have a bearing on the divorce.

Bottonline, though is you NEED an attorney to help you deal with this.

If you raised him as your own does that mean that you are on the because? If so then you are the legal father and have as much right to him as your ex wife.

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Originally Posted by ScottGem

I must disagree with Judy here. If you signed the birth certificate and accepted the child as your own, then you are the legal father. Its possible that the sperm donor could have overturned that, but unless he does, you are the legal father.

As for abandonment, that doesn't come into play for paternity in your case. But it may have a bearing on the divorce.

Bottonline, though is you NEED an attorney to help you deal with this.

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I "assumed" OP is not on the birth certificate -

And when you -u-me...

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

You have no legal rights - the "sperm donor" is the legal and biological father. You can ask the Court for visitation. He can be interviewed by the Court or a social worker/advocate. The Judge will make the final decision.

Unfortunately - you are not the father in any legal sense.

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Not sure... There is little information but if he is the legal father-he has all rights and obligations.Pa has strong policy .