Paternity

Family Law

Establishing paternity is critical for many reasons

First, the father may agree to support the child only to change his mind. Some benefits are available to the child only if paternity has been established. Establishing paternity can make a significant difference in a child’s health, financial outlook, and personal identity.

Establishing Paternity

Paternity can be established in four different ways:

  • If a child is born while the mother is married, the husband is automatically considered to be the legal father (even if he is not the biological father).
  • The parents can acknowledge paternity by signing the Bureau of Vital Statistics Affidavit of Paternity form that results in the father being listed on the child’s birth certificate. This is often done at the hospital when the child is born.
  • CSSD can establish paternity and issue an order to the Bureau of Vital Statistics to add a man to the birth certificate as the father. CSSD can establish paternity if someone applies for CSSD services and then the mother and current father sign a paternity affidavit saying he is the father or they do DNA testing that proves he is the father.
  • A court order establishes paternity after either parent filed a complaint to establish paternity. The court must find there is clear and convincing evidence about who the father is.

To establish paternity by court order, either the child’s father or mother can file a Complaint to Establish Paternity in court. Paternity can either be an uncontested or contested case.
Like many other family law problems, obtaining legal solutions to paternity questions can be an uphill battle if you do not have help. Let us handle the burden of your problems and work to provide you with solutions, so you can focus your attention on your children.

Call us today, and give our team the opportunity to earn your trust and business.