When a baby is born to a single mother will the mother automatically have full custody?

Answer by  Daisyfly (65)

Rules vary by state on this topic but in all states if the father is listed on the birth certificate he has custodial rights even if the parents never marry.

Answer by  Rose (6804)

If the father choices to pursue custody and does so prior to the childs birth then he can in fact get custody and leave the hospital with the baby, other wise custody is awarded to the birth mother upon birth. If you are in this situation you should seek legal advice.

Answer by  salina (943)

Not legal advice: I would assume that to be true. Although, different states may disagree with this I would check with your state. Unless there is a some kind of contesting by a possible father I don't see why you would not have sole custody of your child. Good Luck.

Answer by  Roland27 (16334)

I'm assuming you know who the father is. Most of the time they award custody of the infant to the mother right away since she has to breastfeed.

Answer by  Brett (7986)

Yes. If there is no father who wants or is on the birth certificate, the mother then would be granted sole custody of the child. Obviously over time this can be contested if the father came into the picture, but from birth, she would be the sole person who has custody.

Answer by  str8upcutie83 (471)

Unless there is pending legal action a single mother is usually granted the custodial parent role. The only way that changes is if the court gets involved.