Section 21 of the Children’s Act provides that a father acquires full parental responsibilities and rights in respect of a child born out of wedlock if:

• He is in a permanent relationship and living with the mother when the child is born; or
• He consents to be identified as the biological father of the child; or
• He contributes to the child’s upbringing for a reasonable time; and
• He contributes or has attempted to contribute to the expenses of the child.

Section 18 of the Children’s Act states that parental rights and responsibilities include:

• To care for the child;
• To maintain contact with the child;
• To act as guardian of the child; and
• To contribute to the maintenance of the child.

A father must always pay maintenance for his child, regardless of whether or not he has parental responsibilities and rights.

Posted in: Family Law