The Importance Of Paternity
Who benefits from establishing paternity of a child born out of wedlock? Everyone does.
- The father benefits because his relationship to his child becomes a legal one. You may think you have a relationship now, but you could easily be shut out of the child’s life. Establishing paternity is an important expression of a father’s rights. We encourage fathers to establish paternity for their own selfish reasons. Plus, it’s a good thing to do.
- The mother benefits enormously from paternity. With the relationship established, she is no longer alone. She can turn to the father to help support the child. It is good for her mental and physical health not to have the entire burden of parenting on her shoulders.
- But it is the child who benefits most. In addition to financial support, the child gets inheritance rights. He or she gets health information which may prove essential. Paternity allows benefits from Social Security and life insurance policies. It’s just good to have two parents and not just one.
Arizona Attorneys Versed In Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is usually quite simple. The father and mother simply sign an affidavit of paternity before a notary witness at the hospital at the time of the child’s birth. As an option, the father can sign a similar statement later.
Every story is different, of course. Some men are not sure they really are the father. Some just don’t want the legal status and the responsibilities that go with it. When an alleged father of a child refuses to submit to the paternity DNA test, the matter can be taken to court. The court then makes the decision whether the man is the father, based on evidence.
As paternity lawyers, we work both sides of the issue. We represent mothers wishing to secure financial support from fathers. We also represent fathers who have reason to doubt they are really the father.
To discuss establishing paternity with us, call our Peoria office to schedule a no-charge, 30-minute case evaluation. We want to hear your story and show you your options.
Instead of calling, you can email us a brief description of your situation.