Family Law – The Importance of Establishing Paternity
When a married woman has a child, the law presumes it to be her husband’s child; however, when an unmarried woman has a child, there can be no presumptions made until paternity is established. The importance of establishing paternity goes beyond a last name; it also serves to validate the relationship of the father to their child, along with certain rights that may be afforded to the child by way of their paternal association.
“In any instance of an unmarried woman having a child, paternity should be established and the information added to the child’s birth-related documents as soon as possible to avoid any questions in the future. Anyone who needs advice on paternity issues should call our knowledgeable family law attorneys who are available to answer your questions,” said Norman Green, Senior Partner at Green & Metcalf of Vero Beach, FL.
Establishing paternity can be done several legal ways, but the three most common ways to do it are by voluntary acknowledgment, court determination and genetic testing. DNA or genetic testing has become more popular due to mail order tests that are completed in the privacy of your home with results mailed directly to you. Today’s paternity tests have also become much more accurate than previous test methods of the past, with the latest results often used as evidence in court cases beyond child support.
“Paternity is much more than just knowing who your father is. Paternity is something that can affect how you are supported financially, what rights you may be entitled to and what diseases you may be predisposed to because of your genetics. It’s really a very important consideration for every baby that’s born,” Green said.
Norman A. Green is the founder and a partner of Green & Metcalf - Attorneys At Law. He has over 40 years of experience in the practice fields of criminal defense and family law (divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, modifications of existing orders, prenuptial agreements and alimony cases).
