Custody means control over the child. If the parents aren't married, then the mother has custody of the child unless a court decides something different. For example, a court may order that the baby live with the mother, but that the parents share the right to make decisions. A court may decide custody as part of a divorce, a paternity action, an order for protection action, or in a separate action. Once paternity is established, the father can also ask the court to set up visitation.
Visitation means the father's right to spend time with the child.
A court can deny visitation, or place special conditions on it, depending on what will be best for the child. If the father has visitation rights, then you must let him see the child, unless there is danger to the child. You can go back to court if you need to change the visitation order. See Fact Sheet B4, Visitation , for more information. Child support is based on ability of the father to pay and the needs of the child.