There are times when paternity is challenged by a mother or father, or a parent wants to prove the paternity of a child for child support, visitation, or custodial reasons. No matter the reason, paternity and fathers’ rights are something that is very important to parents and children.
If you are a father who wishes to establish paternity so you can have rights to your child, a mother needing to establish paternity for child support reasons, or paternity needs to be established for another reason, a Minneapolis family law attorney can be there with you every step of the way. You can receive the guidance that you deserve so the process moves as smoothly as possible.
Support Through Establishment Of Paternity
There are two ways in which paternity is established in Minnesota. They are:
- Recognition of Parentage – This occurs when both parents sign a sworn statement stating that the man is the child’s father. The document is only valid when filed with the Minnesota Department of Health. This document is final. While it may seem like a simple process, it is important to have your attorney helping you.
- Genetic testing – If genetic testing is desired, a court order is required. One parent may want to sign the Recognition of Parentage, but the other may not. There could be multiple men claiming to be the father or there may be multiple paternal possibilities. When any of these scenarios exist, a genetic test may be the one way to definitely establish paternity.
Once paternity is established, the father can choose to move forward with a relationship with their child, if that relationship doesn’t already exist.
Protecting Your Rights As A Father
After paternity is established, the father may have to petition the court for a paternity hearing, otherwise he has no legal rights to his child. The court will then decide whether or not the father has legal rights. From here, custody, parenting time, and child support can be determined. This process is carried out in the same way it is in a divorce and the end result is always what is in the best interest of the child.
Your Minneapolis family law attorney will be there with you every step of the way from petitioning for the paternity hearing to making sure you have everything the court needs from you in regards to establishing a legal relationship with your child. You will be advised and educated so you can make informed decisions that will help you and your child move forward together.
Contact A Minneapolis Family Law Lawyer
Paternity is a very serious issue that can affect a number of areas. Those areas include child support and parenting time. If you are a parent looking to establish paternity or you are someone who is believed to be the father of a child, it is good to have the proper representation by your side so you can successfully navigate the process and the law. To learn more about how the Olson Law Firm can help you, call 612-816-2322 to schedule a free consultation.
