Q: Can a man take custodial responsibility for a child without being listed on the birth certificate?
I have a child who's biological father refused to sign acknowledgment of paternity BUT he pays support directly to me through the mail (not through domestic relations). There is nothing showing this man as the child's father and he pays the support without attempting or wanting any visitation or custody.
Another man WANTS to claim financial and parental responsibility for the child.
Is there a way he can do this WITHOUT getting listed on the Birth Certificate as the father of the child?
I can not afford to lose the support from the bio dad so I can NOT consent to the non-bio man being put on the birth certificate.
A: You really want to talk to a family lawyer about your options as a lot depends on the details of what you and the other person want. Technically, as the "dad" isn't listed on the birth certificate there's nothing to stop anyone from assuming that role, but as to the details, and how you handle the different aspects it's not the type of thing anyone can comfortably answer over the internet.
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