There are many young women who have babies out of marriage, the single mum phenomena is well and truly a part of our society.
Many babies of single mothers, are the dream of the mother without really taking the father into account. The father just find themself in the middle of something they do not want to be a part of, yet they are.
Young men and women rarely take into consideration that if they have a baby with someone, even if it is a one night fling they will end up being responsible for that child for the rest of its life. It is not a one night stand if life is created. It is a lifetime of connection.
Yet young men seem reluctant to take responsibility for their actions, they assume that the girl is on the pill, and without much thought think they can sow their wild oats without consequence.
Not so - once a baby is on the way the mother usually holds all the cards, if they know the name and address of the father. The child will be registered in the name of the father and the mother can make sure the name of the father is on the birth certificate, they will be required to claim maintainence for that child, which is a 16 year at least commitment and there will be responsibilities for taking care of that child and visitation rights.
So far well and good, if the parents are in agreement. Where it all begins to fall down is when the father is a reluctant participant in the growing up process of his child, either financial or emotional.
There is also a growing number of mothers who once pregnant , and the baby is a reality want the financial support of the father but not allow him any part of the child's life. This can create stress for everyone concerned.
It is hard for a young mum to hand over her baby to someone who she may hardly know, who in hindsight she does not even like or care for.
Yet the law is quite clear that the father has a right to support and be a part of the child's life, no matter what the emotional response of either parent.
For further information about the legal side of this there is an organisation who will help with sorting out the difficulties both by sharing the legal issues and dealing with the emotional issues.
Contact Divorce Advice Direct for futher support and information.
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