Typically the law deemed an illegitimate child fatherless (nullius filius). With no father, the child automatically was in its mother's custody. If the alleged father requested that the court grant him custody, there would be court references and paperwork. On 11/21/2012 2:38 PM, Patricia Kinzie wrote: > Does anyone know if there were certain court records giving the mother > custody in the case of illegitimate births? I am specifically talking > about West Virginia, 1901. I am searching for the father who isn't listed > in any of the census records. > Pat > The Transitional Genealogists List was created to provide a supportive environment for genealogists to learn best practices as they transition to professional level work. Please respect the kind intentions of this list. > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to TRANSITIONAL-GENEALOGISTS-FORUM-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message >