Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience full of joy and new responsibilities. One of the first steps for new parents is making sure legal paternity is officially established for the child.
Establishing the child’s legal father provides important rights and protections for both father and child going forward. In this post, we’ll look at the most common ways paternity can be legally established, including voluntary acknowledgment and paternity testing.
What does paternity establishment mean?
Paternity establishment is the legal process of identifying the father of a child. This is important because the father’s name is typically listed on the child’s birth certificate. The legal father is also responsible for financially supporting the child.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of paternity
There are several ways to establish the paternity of a child.
- The alleged father signs a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity(VAP) at the hospital after the child is born.
- If the alleged father is unavailable at the time of the child’s birth. The VAP can be signed at child support services or local birth registrar.
- Another option is filing a petition in Family Court and allowing the Judge to issue a court order. A court order can only be issued if the Judge accepts the petition. In most instances, the judge will request a paternity test be performed between the father and child or children.
Why is it important to establish paternity?
The importance of establishing paternity allows the child to know where he or she comes from. It helps the child to better understand themselves.
It also allows the child to receive financial support from both their father and mother. In addition, if any medical issues occur and both parents are in the child’s life it may provide an opportunity to save the child.
Can a paternity test be performed to establish paternity?
Yes. There are a few situations where legal paternity testing is used for paternity establishment. One is when both the alleged biological father and the mother of the child are in agreement that a paternity test is needed to prove paternity.
Once the results are completed. A copy of your results can be used for evidence submission in Family Court. It should be noted that this option is only available to unmarried parents. When couples are married and a child is conceived. The husband is automatically deemed the legal father of the child.
If you are in need of DNA testing services to establish the paternity of your child, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 888-204-0583 for more information.
What are the ways to perform a Paternity Test to establish paternity?
There are several methods to perform a paternity test to establish paternity. Below are a couple of ways paternity can be confirmed using a DNA test:
1. File a paternity petition with the family court. If the petition is accepted, a judge or magistrate will order a paternity test. A court order will be sent to the respondent along with a hearing date. Depending on the circumstances, the judge may suggest that the state cover the cost of the DNA test, or it may need to be paid for out of pocket.
2. Both the alleged father and mother can agree to undergo a legal paternity test before signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form, which legally establishes paternity.
It is important to note that all legal paternity tests must be conducted by an AABB-accredited laboratory for the results to be admissible in family court. Ensure that the laboratory you choose has this accreditation to guarantee that your paternity testing process will be officially recognized.
For those who require assistance with scheduling an appointment for a paternity test, contact IDTO DNA Testing Center at 888-204-0583 today.
Do I need a lawyer to file a paternity petition with a Judge?
No. We always recommend that you seek a consultation with a lawyer in your state to ensure that you understand your state’s paternity laws.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, establishing paternity is pivotal for a child’s development. The approach taken during this process can significantly influence a child’s emotional well-being and financial security. It is crucial for unmarried individuals to understand the procedures of paternity establishment to determine the most appropriate method for their circumstances.
For a comprehensive understanding of your state’s paternity laws, it is advisable to consult a legal professional. Should you require legal paternity testing services, please contact our office at 888-204-0583 to begin the process.