Does an unwed mother have sole custody in Washington state?

Answer 1

Yes, until the father has established his paternity and arranged for a custody hearing if he wants custody.

Generally, if the parents are unmarried the mother has sole custody and control in most states until the father can establish his paternity. Remember, a child's mother can always be identified by medical records. Since the father didn't give birth and he was not legally married at the time of the birth he must establish his paternity by signing the birth certificate at the time of birth (waiving DNA testing rights) which must be done with mother's consent. If he doesn't sign the birth certificate then he must seek another way to establish his paternity and that is done through a DNA test. A paternity test can be arranged through the court. Once paternity has been established the father can request visitations, custody or the court will set up a schedule of regular child support payments for the child if she is to remain in the custody of her mother.

Answer 2

In the U.S. unwed mothers have sole legal and physical custody of a child until paternity is established, unless/until the court rules otherwise.

Before a father can file suit for visitation or custodial rights he must submit documentation to the court proving he is the biological father of the child in question.

Likewise, the biological mother cannot file suit for child support unless the father voluntarily accepts (via affidavit) parental financial obligation. If the alledged father refuses he must submit voluntarily or by order of the court to DNA paternity testing to establish his parental status.