Non biological, unwed dad, seeking rights
So here's a twister of a question, I've raised my son for 3 years now whom I have always known was born of rape, me and his mother were never married, however our lawyer suggested that I sign the acknowledgment of paternity papers. So I did.
Now 3 years later, me and his mother have not been together for a year. However through this entire time, she has has never held a job and has lived with, and been supported by me for fear that she wouldn't do the best for my son on her own. She is threatening to challenge my rights as a father, and take full custody of my child.
What can I do to keep at least joint custody of my child whom I've raised and supported all these years?
(child born in Arkansas, currently in Illinois)
Unwed dad, son conceived through rape
My son is 3 years old, he was conceived through rape, however me and his mother decided before he was born that I would raise him as my own. Our doctor suggested that I sign the acknowledgment of paternity papers, so I did, I am also on his CD. (me and his mother were never married)
However, as to my understanding my rights as a father can be questioned and taken away with something as simple as a DNA test.
I'm curious if I can go about formally adopting my son to safeguard myself from possible future (no win) custody cases