Maybe you should try again, to tell me what your rant has to do with the law?
ROFL! You just don't get it.
Tell me, do you believe in God? Do you have a soul? Which laws are higher...God's or man's? We could go on and on, but you've already proven yourself to be a Pharisee.
Regardless of the personal issues between the "adults" in this case, there is a child involved. One who is likely frightened, very sad, and blaming herself for all the trouble.
The mature/compassionate thing to do would be to accept the role of surrogate-father. I'm sure he has enjoyed being a father to-date...at least a little bit, else he would have abandoned her at a much younger age.
So get real. There are some things more important than just "THE LAW"...like maybe a little girl's future.