How is paternity established?
In most cases, paternity is either admitted or established through the use of blood tests. With modern DNA testing, paternity can be established to a near certainty. Arizona courts recognize DNA testing to establish paternity. Our law firm can help you understand your legal obligations and explain how to set up a paternity blood test.
What if parentage is denied by the father or mother?
A father who denies that he is the parent can be compelled to submit to a blood test. A mother who denies that a man is the father of her child, can also be compelled to submit to a blood test to establish parentage.
What is the effect of establishing paternity?
Once the issue of parentage is proven, the father can then be ordered to provide for past and future support of the child (including medical coverage and childbirth expenses). The father can also gain his rights of custody and visitation, in accordance with the best interests of the child. Father’s will of course be given credit for any support actually provided.
Other than parentage, what else is established in a paternity action?
Every paternity action is different, but paternity actions generally include: whether an individual is in fact the father of the child, the custody and visitation rights of the respective parents, past and future support and medical expenses for the child. Talk to an attorney about your specific case.
We take sides at the R. J. Peters & Associates law firm. This is an important concept that we do not take lightly. Settlement of the difficult issues which arise in family law matters is always an important effort, but not always possible. We focus on fighting for our clients whether in settlement efforts or in litigation. Our only business is family law. From our office located near downtown Phoenix, we represent clients in Maricopa County and throughout Arizona.