Unmarried Fathers

Unmarried fathers are men who have fathered a child but are not legally married to the child's mother. Their rights and responsibilities vary depending on local laws, but generally, they have the same obligations to financially support and care for their child as married fathers. Establishing paternity—through legal processes or voluntary acknowledgment—is often necessary for an unmarried father to gain legal rights, such as custody or visitation. Recognizing their role is important for ensuring the child's well-being and legal protections, regardless of the parents’ marital status.