Rumors abound regarding the relationship (or lack thereof) between Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. According to a number of media outlets, West has spent little time with his pregnant girlfriend, opting to stay in Paris while working on his next album.
There are also rumblings that their time apart has fractured their relationship, as well as his standing with the Kardashian family. With the reported turmoil, some are suggesting that the two will call it quits befor the baby is born.
If that happens, could we see a long, protracted legal battle reminiscent of Kim’s divorce to Kris Humphries? It certainly would not be without precedent, as many unwed fathers find out that they actually have no legal right to see their children absent a petition to establish paternity of the child, as well as a formal order granting them custody and/or parenting time.
So if we assume that their relationship deteriorates, Kanye would have to file a lawsuit to establish that he is the biological father of the child, and make a showing that it would be in the child’s best interests for him to have legal and physical custody, and to have parenting time.
While it is common for estranged parents to file lawsuits in this regard, it is (unfortunately) uncommon for parents who are getting along to understand that unwed fathers must go through this process to establish their legal rights. Nevertheless, the West/Kardashian story provides a poignant reminder of how fickle relationships can be, and the need to be aware of one’s legal rights.
Source: perezhilton.com, Will Kimye last until the baby is born? May 14, 2013
