Does a DNA test automatically give a father rights?
The father rights conversation is an increasingly growing topic over the last few years. Some researchers believe the conversation about father rights is due to the increase in children being born to unmarried parents. Statistics released by the Pew Research Center state that for over 50 years childbirths outside of marriage went from 5% to 41%.
The answer to the question is, Does a DNA paternity test give unwed biological father rights? A Paternity test by itself does not give unwed alleged further rights. A judge will determine what right the father will have. Initially, when a child is born to unwed parents only the mother is deemed the custodial parent. Therefore she has the right to make all decisions pertaining to the child’s life without the father’s consent. In order for an alleged father to have some rights, he must establish paternity. Paternity Establishment does not mean a man will have the same rights as the mother in most cases. What it does mean is the judge will determine paternal rights based on your specific situation.
How can an unmarried man establish paternity?
Here are the options unmarried men have for them to establish paternity.
1. Sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity Form. This form can be signed at the hospital when the child is born or, at a later date at a child services office in your city.
2. If an unmarried man believes he is the biological father of a child and the mother does not allow the man to perform a paternity test. The alleged father will have to file a paternity petition with the court. If the judge or magistrate believes your claim to be a viable one. The judge will issue a court order. Once all parties are before the judge. The judge will order a DNA test. If the DNA test result shows that an unmarried man is the biological father of the child. Another hearing pertaining to child support will be set by the judge to determine custody of the child, possible rights, and financial support.
Here are some options an unmarried man can establish paternity. 1. Sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity Form. This form can be signed at the hospital when the child is born or, at a later date at a child services office in your city. 2. If an unmarried man believes he is the biological father of a child and the mother does not allow the man to perform a paternity test. The alleged father will have to file a paternity petition with the court. If the judge or magistrate believes your claim to be a viable one. The judge will issue a court order. Once all parties are before the judge. The judge will order a DNA test. If the DNA test result shows that an unmarried man is the biological father of the child. Another hearing pertaining to child support will be set by the judge to determine custody of the child, possible rights, and financial support.
It should be noted that signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form is voluntary. If for any reason there are questions by both the mother and father. Do not sign the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form. Please keep in mind when you sign this document it has the same force as a court order. So, If after you sign the voluntary acknowledgment of paternity you want to question the paternity of a child. The only way you will be able to reverse the decision is by getting a court order from a judge or magistrate in your state.
In closing, the information shared in this post should not be viewed as legal advice. We recommend that you contact a family law professional in your city to learn more about your paternal rights in your state. If you are in need of court-admissible paternity testing services. Please do not hesitate to contact IDTO today and allow one of our DNA relationship consultants the opportunity to assist you today. The number to call is 888-204-0583 to get started. Remember, we are here.