Establishing paternity is not just a legal necessity but also a crucial step for a child and their parents. It ensures that a child receives both parents’ financial and emotional support, providing them with a sense of security and emotional stability throughout their upbringing.
Whether you are a mother or father, you should consult with an Owings Mills paternity lawyer to take the first step in establishing your child’s future. Call today to speak with a skilled family attorney at Nguyen Roche Sutton.
If the parents are married, the paternity is automatically assumed. If one parent feels they are not the father, they may request a DNA test to prove paternity.
The same DNA testing can establish parental responsibility for unmarried parents. However, it can also be established through a court order or an Affidavit of Parentage form, which can be filled out in the hospital or taken home.
Both will allow the other parent to be listed on the birth certificate. Once signed, this is a legally binding commitment.
Laws are in place to ensure that parents share equal legal responsibility when raising a child. However, when two parents are not married, paternity must be established. Not only will it benefit the custodial parent, but it may also benefit the child. For instance, the child can:
Establishing paternity also provides financial support for the mother, which is a significant benefit. An Owing Mills attorney plays a crucial role in guiding a parent through the legal paternity process. Call today to schedule an appointment and get the professional support you need.
If the mother is married to someone other than the baby’s father at the time of conception, the Affidavit of Parentage will not be an option for establishing paternity. The husband is automatically assumed to be the baby’s father, making it difficult for them to contest paternity.
Removing paternal rights from the husband can only be done if he insists and seeks genetic testing. In most cases, it also requires the assistance of the courts and a legal team.
People who wish to establish paternity for a child may do so at any time within the first 18 years of that child’s life. There is also no time limit set for a person to challenge paternity. However, it can become more difficult as the child ages.
For instance, a person seeking to rescind an Affidavit of Parentage must complete it within 60 days of signing the original affidavit. This form will not be canceled if it is beyond that time without seeking help from a judge.
An Owings Mills lawyer from Nguyen Roche Sutton could answer any questions their client has during a consultation.
Anytime paternity is in question, you should know your rights and responsibilities. A seasoned legal team focusing on family law could help you prove or contest fatherhood or seek financial assistance from someone who denies their responsibility.
When you need to discuss your situation with an experienced and knowledgeable professional, call our Owings Mills paternity lawyers today.
