This sounds like something from "Days of Our Lives"

What is the name of your state? PA
A little over a year ago I made the mistake of having a brief affair with a married man. I ended it after about 2 months, but not before I became pregnant with his child. I decided not to tell him I was pregnant for several reasons; I didn't want to break up his marriage, I never wanted to face a possible custody hearing nightmare, and several other reasons that aren't important right now. My questions is- If, in the future, he were to find out that he is in fact the father of my child, and that I'd withheld that information from him, could there be legal repercussions against me?

Also, if I were to marry a man who wanted to adopt my child, would I have to tell the bio father at that point to make it legal? His name is not on the birth certificate.

[stealth2]

Originally posted by Justagirl751
My questions is- If, in the future, he were to find out that he is in fact the father of my child, and that I'd withheld that information from him, could there be legal repercussions against me?

>> Most likely not.

Also, if I were to marry a man who wanted to adopt my child, would I have to tell the bio father at that point to make it legal? His name is not on the birth certificate.

>> Yep. You will have to state who the potential father could be, and he would be notified. His paternity would have to be established, and then it would be up to him to decide if he was willing to terminate his rights. If he chose not to, he would be able to file for custody (not as likely to get it), visitation (almost a slam-dunk that he would) and would be responsible for helping support his child.

For all your reasons not to tell him he has a child, some of which may be good and some may not, you are depriving the child of a relationship with his/her father - and vice versa. I'd say you need to make that right sooner rather than later.

[nextwife]

Here is a summary of PA adoption statutes:

[url]http://www.adoptionsolutions.com/general/state%20laws/pa_law.htm[/url]

I did find this:

Putative Father's Rights
A putative father may execute a consent to adoption at any time after receiving notice of the expected or actual birth of the child. If a putative father fails to file acknowledgment of paternity, appear at the adoption hearing, or file an objection, the court may enter a decree terminating parental rights of the putative father

[stealth2]

But doesn't the putative father be notified that (a) there IS a child and (b) there is a hearing?

[nextwife]

Yup. Wasn't saying that she wouldn't have to. Only that if she did and he failed to show, the court could complete the adoption. Also looks like he could consent well in advance (A putative father may execute a consent to adoption at any time after receiving notice of the expected or actual birth of the child) even before there is a stepparent.

[stealth2]

Yep. Just thought it would be good to have it more explicitly clarified.

[I AM ALWAYS LIABLE]

[quote]Originally posted by Justagirl751
[b]What is the name of your state? PA


A little over a year ago I made the mistake of having a brief affair with a married man. I ended it after about 2 months, but not before I became pregnant with his child.

====================================

My response:

Isn't there a name for women like this?

IAAL

Alabamans

IF the OP were to marry while pregnant, wouldn't (in many states) the presumption be, that the new husband be the legal father of the child??

[nextwife]

Great idea! Quick, find an Elvis Impersonator minister and Chapel in Vegas, and tie the knot!