Obligation to Out-of-Wedlock Offspring

He must support both his child and the child’s mother, no matter how uncomfortable that may be for his wife and family. This does not mean continuing in the adulterous relationship with the child’s mother, of course. But the child does have a right not just to financial support that equals that given to the man’s legitimate children but also to the man’s time, attention, and love. The child’s mother has a right to whatever financial support would be appropriate to ensure she can raise the child, should she choose to do so. As for the man’s wife, assuming the marriage survives, she has the obligation to support her husband in supporting his child.

The key here is that all the adults must do all that they can to set aside their differences for the sake of the child, who does not share in the sin that resulted in his conception and who has the right to the love and support of both of his parents.