Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity is a crucial step in securing parental rights, financial support, and benefits for a child. Whether both parents are in agreement or not, the legal process ensures that a child’s best interests are protected. If you need to establish paternity through the court, our professional paralegal/non-lawyer service can help prepare the proper legal documents to file your case correctly and efficiently.

Why Establishing Paternity is Important

Paternity establishes a legal relationship between a father and child, ensuring important rights and responsibilities. Some key reasons to establish paternity include:

Legal Parental Rights – A legally recognized father may have the ability to seek custody, visitation, and decision-making authority.

Financial Support for the Child – Establishing paternity is often necessary for child support to be ordered by the court.

Access to Benefits – A child may become eligible for health insurance, Social Security, inheritance, and other benefits through the legally recognized parent.

Medical History Awareness – Knowing both parents’ medical histories can be important for the child’s long-term healthcare.

How Paternity is Established Through the Court

If paternity has not been voluntarily acknowledged by both parents, it can be legally established through the court system. The general steps in the process may include:

Filing a Petition – A petition to establish paternity must be properly drafted and filed with the appropriate court.

Serving Legal Notice – The alleged father must be formally notified of the legal proceedings.

Genetic Testing (If Necessary) – If there is a dispute regarding paternity, the court may order DNA testing.

Court Determination – Once paternity is confirmed, the court may issue orders regarding custody, visitation, and child support.

What If One Parent Disagrees?

In cases where one parent refuses to acknowledge paternity or does not cooperate, the court can require genetic testing and proceed with a legal determination. The process may involve hearings and additional steps to ensure that a fair decision is made.

How We Can Help

We are a professional paralegal/non-lawyer service that assists individuals in preparing and filing the proper legal documents to establish paternity through the court. While we do not provide legal advice or representation, we ensure that all paperwork is completed accurately and in compliance with court requirements.

Our services include:
✔️ Preparing and filing the petition to establish paternity
✔️ Assisting with service of process to notify the other parent
✔️ Providing court document organization and case tracking
✔️ Ensuring compliance with state-specific legal procedures

Take the Next Step Navigating the legal process of establishing paternity can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Our experienced team is here to help you complete and file the necessary documents so you can move forward with confidence.

Still have questions?