How long as the rule that the father had to be present to have his name put on the birth certificate been in place?

Question

This is NOT a personal question; just a question of curiosity spurred by an article I read yesterday.  I have heard often of single women who had babies and put down a father on the birth certificate without his knowledge or him being present.  From what I understand, that s mostly not legal anymore.  How long ago was it that a woman could name whoever she wanted as the father without his input?  If you could name sources, that would be epic.  I ve had trouble finding any.

pixiewinston · Answer

back when welfare payments for illegitimate children got way out offhand- 1970s.  They started demanding women name the father. That way the state could recover welfare payments from the father and make him liable for child support.  BUT there is also due process protection.  The named father can protest his innocence and demand a paternity test. .

wendy c · Answer

Depends on the state, since each state has it's own statutes.

Trending News

How long as the rule that the father had to be present to have his name put on the birth certificate been in place?

2 Answers