Rumors have swirled around the paternity of Hollywood actress Amber Heard’s baby as many suspect tech mogul Elon Musk as the potential father. While Musk has denied involvement in the pregnancy, the internet has been abuzz with speculation about the 36-year-old chief executive of PayPal and Tesla Motors.
At the 2019 Met Gala, Musk and Heard debuted their relationship in front of the world. Although the couple quickly ended their relationship in August 2019, a friend of Musk’s is claiming that the couple maintain contact in order to raise the baby and is seen shopping with Musk in January 2020.
Furthermore, the couple have yet to reveal the father. With Musk known for his relationship with Heard, and his friendship, many rumors have been sparked in the press and it is no secret that Musk has been dealing with media question his new responsibilities.
Amber Heard is currently pregnant with a baby girl and due in early May. Reports have stated that she is out and about on shopping trips and plays dates with her baby as her little ones get closer and closer.
Experts believe that since neither party has confirmed Musk’s paternity, it could be that the couple maintain contact for the wellbeing of the baby. While it has been reported that the couple have both discussed their personal lives publicly, neither of them has elaborated on their relationship and neither has publicly revealed the identity of the father.
Sources close to the couple have revealed that Musk and Heard appear to be on good terms as Heard is seen shopping with Musk. Reportedly, Musk has been an active part of the pregnancy, taking part in doctor’s appointments and being seen shopping for baby items.
Reports have suggested that Heard and Musk have been spending time together. However, while there have been pictures of the pair out together, neither have clearly revealed that Musk is indeed the father. It is clear that the couple have maintained contact throughout the duration of the pregnancy with no suggestion of a break up.
Psyche researchers suggest that it is normal for people to go through periods of ups and downs in any relationship, and that a divorce or separation may take time. As relationships evolve, experts state that it is important to adjust to any new changes or revelations that may be revealed.
Inheritance Rights
In the event of Elon Musk being the father of Amber Heard’s baby, reports suggest that he shall inherit all of the legal rights and obligations that come with parenthood. Besides a financial responsibility, Musk would also be legally responsible for the child’s upbringing and health care. Some experts assert that Heard in seeking support from Musk on such matters.
Under US law, if married, the father is presumed to be the biological father unless tested otherwise. If unmarried, then the biological father must take a paternity test or establish paternity through other legal documentation. Musk shall not have rights to the child until paternity is established or the obligation is willingly taken.
The California Family Code Section 7610 defines when the legal father shall have the right over the family. Minor children derive the right to inherit from the legal father, and any trust or estate created by the active parent shall benefit the minor.
Complex Court Cases
The case of Heard and Musk is complex as the couple have already ended their relationship prior to the conception of the child. In the case of a break-up, despite the relationship status, the child can still be the child of the genetic father. Reports of the couple going on shopping trips together suggest that Musk is staying involved in the pregnancy and raising of the child.
Apparently, Heard is seeking financial support from Musk and legal paternity from the court. Musk may seek to establish paternity in court, but without a confirmation from either party, the press and public are left to speculate about the paternity of Heard’s baby.
The complexity of this case means that a legal advisor is required to establish the best outcome for all parties. While legal consultants suggest that if Musk is the father, that he will have the financial and legal obligation over the child, only the court can determine if Musk is the biological father.
Promotion of Public Interests
No matter if Elon Musk is the father of Amber Heard’s baby or not, the law protects the legitimate heirs of the private property of a parent. The father is also expected to provide financial support and if proven as the biological father, Musk will have full rights and obligations with respect to the child.
Under the US law, the couple must first obtain a court order to determine that he is in fact the father. Afterwards, Musk may need to file for a custody or visitation rights, and then proceed with the child’s enrollment. From a legal standpoint, the parent has the authority over the child, therefore the court would need to validate the paternity in order to establish the parental rights.
The state of California works to promote the interests of not only the parent, but also the best interest of the child. Custody rules stipulate that the court considers the full circumstances for both parties and considers the wellbeing of the child first. The court does not discriminate based on marriage, hence it is expected that the couple should reach a conclusion that both parties agree with before the court makes a decision.
Achieve a Settlement Outside of Court
It is possible for a settlement to be reached without the couple having to enter into a full legal battle. Instead, a mediator can be appointed to facilitate and advise them. If the couple wishes to avoid the court all together, the couple, accompanied by their legal representatives, can discuss matters in private and come to a mutual agreement.
Experts suggest that Musk and Heard could potentially reach a settlement where they decide on the custody arrangements as well as the support that Musk may provide to Heard and the child. Furthermore, the custody and visitation arrangements can be made with the best interest of the child in mind.
Legal sources note that the settlement can be agreed outside the court and made legally enforceable between the two parties. If the couple is unable to reach an understanding on custody and other significant issues, they may need to seek the assistance of the court or a legal professional.
Comparable Precedents
Similar cases of famous celebrities add precedent to the case of Elon Musk and Amber Heard. Given the incomplete proof of Musk being the father, the court may bring up similar cases in the past that better illustrate the course of action for the case.
Historically, a number of prominent US citizens have made the news for their complex and high-profile cases. The case of Nancy Spungen and Sid Vicious is comparable to the case of Heard and Musk; with the couple having an undefined custody arrangement and questions over the paternity of their child. While the paternity of the couple’s child was never decisively proven, it is speculated that Vicious was the father.
Similarly, the recent case of Paul Gillon and his ex-girlfriend’s baby is relevant to the case of Heard and Musk as the courts ruled towards the paternity of the father while providing the mother with financial support. With the cases being so similar, the court may bring in past precedents in order to come to a decision.
Impact On The Media
The case of Elon Musk and Amber Heard has garnered substantial attention from the press and public. The possibility of Musk becoming a father has had a drastic effect on the business world who thought that the Tesla CEO was not yet ready to commit to fatherhood.
The news is also closely watched by other tech heavyweights such as Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, who are both actively involved in their childrens’ upbringing. While many believe that Musk is a brilliant businessman and inventor, some are skeptical about his ability to become an active parent.
The scandal has also divided the public due to Heard’s partnership with Musk in the news. As many believe the Tesla CEO has a right to protect his privacy and personal life, there are those who think he should take responsibility of the paternity of Heard’s infant.
The scrutiny of Musk is further reinforced by the fact that he has previously released statements pertaining to his love of children. As such, it is not surprising that Musk has been receive heavy criticism due to his potential involvement in the pregnancy.
