Feature Article
Establishing Paternity in Arizona: What You Should Know
When a child is born out of wedlock in Arizona, the father has no legal rights or responsibilities until paternity is established. This means that the father cannot make legal decisions on behalf of the child, nor can he be held financially responsible for the child. In order to establish paternity, there are several steps that must be taken. In this article, we will explore the process of establishing paternity in Arizona and what you should know.
What is Paternity?
Paternity is the legal establishment of who the father of a child is. When a child is born to a married couple, the husband is presumed to be the father. When a child is born out of wedlock, however, paternity must be established before the father has any legal rights or responsibilities.
Why is it Important to Establish Paternity?
Establishing paternity is important for several reasons. For one, it allows the child to have a legal father. This can help the child emotionally, as well as financially. It also allows the father to have legal rights and responsibilities for the child, such as the right to make decisions about the child's upbringing, medical care, and education. Additionally, it allows the father to seek custody or visitation rights, and it allows the child to potentially be eligible for benefits such as Social Security or inheritance.
How is Paternity Established?
There are several ways that paternity can be established in Arizona. The first and most common way is for both parents to sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This form must be signed voluntarily and in the presence of a witness. Once the form is signed and filed with the Arizona Department of Health Services, the father's name will be added to the child's birth certificate, and he will have legal rights and responsibilities for the child.
If the mother or the alleged father denies paternity, however, the process becomes more complicated. The alleged father may be required to submit to a genetic test to determine paternity. If the genetic test shows a 95% chance or greater that the alleged father is the biological father, then paternity is established.
What if Paternity is Not Established?
If paternity is not established, the child will not have a legal father, and the father will not have any legal rights or responsibilities for the child. This means that the child will not be eligible for benefits from the father, nor will the father be able to make any legal decisions about the child's upbringing, medical care, or education.
What Should You Do if You Need to Establish Paternity?
If you need to establish paternity in Arizona, it is important to seek the assistance of an attorney who specializes in family law. An attorney can help guide you through the process, whether it is through signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form or through genetic testing. They can also help you understand your legal rights and responsibilities once paternity is established.
Conclusion
Establishing paternity is an important step in ensuring that a child has legal rights and a legal father. It can also have financial implications, as well as emotional benefits for the child. If you need to establish paternity in Arizona, it is important to seek the assistance of an attorney who can help guide you through the process and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
For more information on establishing paternity in Arizona, please visit https://azcriminalandfamilylaw.com/establish-paternity-in-arizona/.
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