A child born out of wedlock is legally recognized to belong to which parent?

The legal recognition of a child born out of wedlock primarily attributes parentage to the mother. In most jurisdictions, when a child is born to an unmarried woman, she is automatically granted full legal rights over the child, including custody and decision-making authority, without any additional legal proceedings required. This framework is designed to ensure that the child's immediate welfare and identity are prioritized, as the mother typically provides the primary care and support.

In contrast, the father's legal rights may not be established automatically and often require paternity acknowledgment, which can sometimes necessitate legal action or formal recognition. This distinction underscores the principle that while the mother has inherent rights to her child from birth, the father has to take extra steps to gain similar recognition and rights.