Paternity must be established for children born out of wedlock before the father can be considered the legal father of the child and enjoy his parental rights. Unlike children born during a marriage, who are presumed by law to be the children of the father, legal paternity must be determined for children born to an unwed mother.

paternity

Paternity can be established through DNA testing or by agreement of the parties. It is only after paternity is established that a parent may seek child support from the other parent or timesharing rights with the minor child.

If a mother is seeking to name you as the father of her child to obtain child support from you and you believe you are not the biological father, it is important that you seek assistance to contest her request. Once an adjudication has been made as to a child’s paternity, it is very difficult and sometimes impossible to have a Court disestablish paternity and the legal obligation for support to a father who is not actually the biological father.