Establishing of Paternity

Establishing paternity provides numerous advantages, including:

• - Legal recognition of both parents;

- Access to medical history from both sides of the family;

- Eligibility for insurance, inheritance, and government benefits;

- Right to child support from both parents; and

- Opportunity for custody and visitation rights.

For fathers, paternity provides the foundation for meaningful involvement in their child’s upbringing — emotionally, financially, and legally.

The simplest path is for both parents to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, usually at the hospital when the child is born or later at a local health or vital records office.

Once signed and filed with the state, this document has the same legal effect as a court order. It confirms the biological father’s identity and affirms his duty to support the child financially.

If paternity is disputed or uncertain, either parent — or a legal representative for the child — may file a petition to establish paternity. The court may order:

• - Genetic testing (typically DNA tests) to confirm biological parentage;

- A hearing to review evidence; and

- A final judgment of paternity, granting legal recognition and setting related obligations such as support or custody.

SJKP LLP attorneys manage every step of this process, from filing petitions and interpreting results to ensuring procedural accuracy and compliance with state requirements.

• - Filing and Managing Petitions: Ensuring all documents are accurate, timely, and in compliance with jurisdictional rules.

- Protecting Your Rights: Advocating for fair treatment during custody, child support, or visitation negotiations.

- Advising on Genetic Testing: Guiding clients through voluntary or court-ordered DNA testing processes.

- Negotiating Parental Responsibility Agreements: Helping create parenting and timesharing plans that prioritize the child’s welfare.

- Modification and Enforcement: Assisting in revising or enforcing paternity orders when circumstances change.

With the help of experienced counsel, parents can avoid missteps that may delay recognition or affect future custody claims.

Courts aim to ensure that both parents share responsibility fairly. This often includes evaluating each parent’s:

• - Financial stability;

- Commitment to co-parenting;

- Work schedule and ability to provide care; and

- Willingness to maintain consistent contact.

Our attorneys advocate for fair arrangements that protect the child’s best interests while ensuring both parents’ involvement is legally secured.

• - Discovery of incorrect genetic test results;

- Fraud or coercion in signing an acknowledgment;

- Substantial changes in financial or custodial circumstances; or

- Relocation of one parent impacting visitation or support.

Our legal team ensures that any challenge or modification request follows procedural timelines and evidentiary standards, safeguarding your rights and your child’s welfare.

Once recognized as the legal father, you may:

• - Request custody or joint custody;

- Secure visitation rights and parenting schedules;

- Influence educational and medical decisions;

- Be included in inheritance and insurance benefits decisions; and

- Petition for fair child support calculations.

Our attorneys work to ensure that fathers are recognized not merely as financial contributors, but as equal parents committed to their child’s development and stability.

Without legal paternity, a father cannot:

• - Seek custody or visitation rights;

- Influence major parental decisions; or

- Claim protections under custody or support orders.

Conversely, once paternity is confirmed, the father gains enforceable rights and assumes the obligation to contribute financially. SJKP LLP helps clients handle these determinations efficiently, ensuring a smooth transition into fair parental arrangements.