On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in paternity on Wednesday, January 29, 2020.
Asserting the legal rights and obligations of an unmarried father may begin by establishing paternity. Paternity is assumed if a father is married to the child’s mother, but there are other situations in which paternity may be assumed as well. These include a father signing a voluntary acknowledgment or even establishing a close relationship with the child and getting parental rights in court. However, in some circumstances, a Kansas mother or father may want a paternity test. A DNA test proves paternity with 99% accuracy.
A mother might bring a paternity lawsuit against a father. If the mother is getting assistance from the state, the state might do so. Establishing legal paternity has consequences for both parents and for the child. A father is required to contribute to supporting the child, but he will also have custody and visitation rights. If the mother wants to put the child up for adoption, the father must give consent as well.
In addition to the emotional benefits of being able to establish a relationship with the father and the financial benefit of support from two parents, there are other potential benefits for the child. This could include the ability to get workers’ compensation or other government benefits if the father dies.
Establishing paternity rights and paternity disputes can be complicated, particularly since there are a number of misconceptions around doing so. Fathers or mothers who wish to establish paternity may want to consult an attorney to understand their rights and the process they need to follow. Fathers who are facing a paternity suit who do not believe they are the child’s father might also want to consult an attorney. Disputes over custody or child support may also arise after paternity is established, and an attorney may be able to assist in these situations as well.
