Does adjudication of paternity grant custodial rights?
No. An adjudication of paternity simply declares the existence of a legal father-child relationship. A custody order is required for newly adjudicated fathers to establish their custodial rights. The Court may not address custody at a paternity hearing unless the issue is raised by formal motion prior to the hearing. Therefore, it is important to seek competent representation in these matters to assure that all procedural steps have been accomplished if you wish to have custody or parenting time rights.
