Illegitimate

(In nomenclature) a name or epithet that is validly published but does not conform to article 6.4 of the Code.


Born to parents who are not married to each other.


Now-seldom-used term for a child whose parents have not been legally married. In some states, illegitimate children have no inheritance rights from their fathers; and in some states, if the child dies a wrongful death, an unwed father cannot file a suit against the party responsible (though all mothers and married fathers can do so). But in most states, if the father acknowledges the child as his own, or a paternity suit successfully identifies him as the father, an illegitimate child has much the same rights as one born to parents who were married at the time of birth or later.


 


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