The issue of paternity is often raised in the event of legal separation, divorce or annulment. Establishing paternity is crucial for a variety of reasons. First, it provides the child with a sense of identity. Also, the child may be entitled to various benefits, including inheritance, insurance benefits and social security benefits among others.
Paternity is often required in establishing custody, visitation time after separation and parenting time. Parents who sire a child without getting married to each other will often use a paternity action in defining each parent’s rights and responsibilities with regard to their child. To increase your chances in succeeding in a paternity action, it is imperative that you hire a paternity attorney in Overland Park, KS.
The laws governing paternity are often complex and will vary from state to state. The legally recognized father is not always the biological father. Below is the manner in which most states recognize fathers.
* Presumed father: This is a man who was legally married to the mother at the time when the baby was conceived or born. It may also refer to a person who has legally agreed to have fathered a child of his wife, or a man who has acted and behaved in a manner that suggests that the child is his own.
* Acknowledged father: This refers to man not married who admits to being the father to the child. Such a father will often be required to pay child support.
* Unwed father: This refers to man who is not married and has a kid with a woman. Such a man is required to pay child support in the event that he is found to be the biological or acknowledged father of the child. Such a father will often have visitation rights with the child.
Proving paternity is essential in enforcing child support. This is achieved by subjecting the alleged father to a paternity test. In asking the judge to order this test, one must file a paternity action. If you are looking to establish paternity of your child, you may want to hire a paternity attorney in Overland Park, KS. Contact Gilby and Haynes Law Firm LLP to access a competent attorney.
