Akon has filed paternity documents in a Georgia court claiming he is the father of two children born out of wedlock.

In a refreshing twist, the rapper/singer is actually fighting to be named the father of the children instead of trying to avoid the responsibilities (and expenses) that come with fathering a child.

In fact, Akon is even asking that a court consider his high income in determining how much child support he’ll have to pay, reports TMZ.

Along with having the ability to participate and have a say in the children’s upbringing, Akon is also asking a court to allow the children to be able to inherit from him and to keep his last name Thiam, reports TMZ. (Akon’s full legal name is Aliaune Damala Badara Akon Thiam.)

While Akon’s filing of paternity documents was definitely admirable, it’s not clear if it was absolutely necessary. That’s because a father doesn’t always have to take official legal steps like filing paternity documents to be considered the legal parent of a child.

In general, if a man openly raises a child and acknowledges that the child is his, he may already be considered the legal father under some states’ laws. As Akon has previously said he fathered multiple children with different women, and TMZ reports that he has acted as the children’s father since they were born, Akon may have already been considered the children’s father prior to filing the paternity documents.

Related Resources:

  • Akon Admits He ‘Smacked’ That, Takes Responsibility for Fathering 2 Kids Out of Wedlock (SOHH.com)
  • Rick Ross Says He is Not Florida Child’s Father (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
  • Devon James Files Paternity Action against Golfer Tiger Woods (FindLaw’s Celebrity Justice)
  • Browse Family Law Lawyers by Location (FindLaw)

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