Scottsdale Paternity Lawyer

Questions of paternity are major issues in any child custody situation. Establishing paternity and proving the child's biological father can change the outcome of your case.

At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, our family law firm is here to help you protect and defend your rights. Our Scottsdale paternity lawyer will advocate for you every step of the way. Learn more about paternity issues below. Then, contact us to schedule a free case consultation.

Our Scottsdale Paternity Lawyer Helps With Establishing and Disestablishing Paternity in Scottsdale, AZ

Establishing or disestablishing paternity in Scottsdale, AZ will greatly impact any family law matter. If you are a father seeking custody of your child or a mother attempting to prove that the person seeking custody is or is not your child's legal father, contacting an Arizona family attorney at Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers in Scottsdale, AZ, can help you address this situation.

We Help You Get Answers

We aim to help you obtain a definitive answer regarding your paternity case. Our objective and rational standpoint allows us to approach your case with the right attitude and better chance at a swifter, more successful outcome. Court procedures for establishing or disestablishing paternity can be highly complex, and the right attorney can assist in navigating this difficult situation.

Information Regarding Paternity Testing in Scottsdale, Arizona

According to The Judicial Branch of Arizona, any case where the court is making legal orders about the identity of a child's parents is referred to as a parentage or paternity test.

If parents are married when a child is born, parentage is normally not even a question; however, things are not always that simple. Many questions may arise when a child is born with unmarried parents or if there is a question of fidelity.

Establishing parentage means more than just bringing peace of mind; it means helping to determine important legal issues such as custody, visitation rights, and child support. It also means that the child will have access to their family's medical records and history, access to health and life insurance coverage, and more.

How To Establish Parentage of a Child

There are three ways that you can establish the parentage of a child:

• Voluntary declaration of paternity: In these cases, unmarried couples would sign a Declaration of Paternity, making them the child's legal parents. In most cases, this is signed at the hospital at the time of the child's birth, but not always—in some cases, it can be signed later. The form can be received at the local child support agency, registrar of births, family law facilitator, or welfare offices. It must be signed at one of these public agencies and witnessed by a notary public. After it has been signed, it is sent to the Arizona Department of Child Services (DCS) with the Paternity Opportunity Program (POP) and has the same effect as a legal court order.
• Local child support agency (LCSA): Sometimes, you can go to a local child support agency and ask for their assistance in establishing parentage. These are part of the DCS, with one located in every county. The process begins; you call your county's LCSA to schedule an appointment about parentage and support. This can be done even if the mother is still pregnant. Next, a genetic test will be ordered (only after the child is born). Either parent can request the services of the LCSA; however, the LCSA is not a lawyer and does not represent the parents or children.
• Go to court: If necessary, you may need to take your paternity case to court to establish parentage. These are complex, and it is usually best to handle them with the help of an experienced family law attorney. First, you must file your parentage case in the county where your child lives or can be found. In some cases, that may be in the court you live.

If you want to establish parentage and believe that filing a case with the court is your best option, we encourage you to contact an attorney from our firm. With more than 20 years of experience, we have handled these cases and know the steps to take. Call us today if you have any more questions.

Our Scottsdale Paternity Lawyer Will Help You Make the Right Decision

Our Scottsdale paternity lawyer can provide the guidance and support you need if you face paternity issues. We understand that establishing paternity can be a sensitive issue, affecting your life's emotional and legal aspects.

Our experienced lawyers will help you navigate the process, ensuring you understand all your legal options and the implications of each. We aim to make the process smooth and stress-free, giving you peace of mind.

Making the right decision in a paternity case can substantially impact your future and your relationship with your child. Our team provides personalized attention to each case, understanding that each family situation is unique.

We use our expertise to advocate for your rights and child's best interests. With our support, you can make informed decisions that will benefit your family for years.

Why Proving Paternity Matters

Proving paternity is essential for many reasons, especially when it comes to a father's rights and responsibilities. Establishing paternity legally identifies the biological father of a child, which is essential for child support and custody arrangements.

It also allows the father to participate in important decisions in the child's life, such as education and health care. In addition, it can provide emotional benefits for both the child and the father, as it establishes a recognized relationship.

Benefits In and Out of the Courtroom

Knowing their biological father can be important for the child's identity and emotional well-being. It also has practical implications, such as access to family medical history and eligibility for benefits like inheritance and insurance.

From a legal perspective, proving paternity is often necessary before a court will order child support, custody, or visitation rights. Our firm understands the significance of these outcomes and works diligently to ensure that paternity is established accurately and fairly.

How We Build Your Case

1. Gather all necessary documents and evidence. We start by collecting birth certificates, emails, texts, and other relevant documents that support your paternity claim.
2. Interview witnesses. We speak to witnesses who can provide testimony about your relationship with the child or the circumstances surrounding the conception.
3. Arrange DNA testing. If paternity is in question, we will arrange a DNA test, the most definitive method of establishing biological parentage.
4. File the required legal paperwork. Our team will handle all filings with the court, ensuring that every document is accurately and timely submitted.
5. Prepare you for court appearances. We will prepare you for what to expect in court, helping you to present your case clearly and effectively.
6. Negotiate with the other party. If possible, we will negotiate with the other parent to reach an agreement outside of court, which can save time and stress.
7. Represent you in court. If your case goes to trial, we will provide strong representation in court to advocate for your rights and your child's best interests.

The Top Benefits of Partnering With Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers

• Experienced legal representation: Our attorneys have years of experience dealing with family law and paternity cases. We bring a deep understanding of the law and a sincere approach to each case. You can trust us to handle your case with professionalism and care.
• Personalized legal strategies: At Genesis Family Law and Divorce Lawyers, we know that every family situation is unique. We create personalized legal strategies tailored to meet your specific needs and goals. This customized approach ensures we effectively address your concerns and achieve the best possible outcome.
• Strong advocacy: We are committed to being strong advocates for our clients in and out of the courtroom. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we protect your rights and ensure your voice is heard. We fight to secure the best results for you and your family.
• Supportive client service: Our team provides supportive and responsive client service. We understand that dealing with paternity issues can be stressful, so we ensure you feel supported throughout the process. You can count on us to be accessible and responsive to your needs and questions.
• Cost-effective solutions: We work to resolve paternity cases in the most cost-effective manner possible. By aiming for amicable resolutions and minimizing court time, we help you save on legal fees while providing top-notch legal services. This approach allows you to focus more on your family and less on the financial impact of your case.

We Can Help You With Your Paternity Petition

Paternity is a term used to define the state or condition of being a father. Paternity more frequently comes into question with unmarried couples who have a child together. Still, these matters may also arise in married couples during a divorce or legal separation.

In any event, by filing a Petition to Establish Paternity, either a mother or father can begin the legal action of establishing legal paternity for their child. 

Issues involving paternity may be resolved in or out of the courtroom. Either way, having a competent family lawyer at your side can go a long way in ensuring that your rights and interests are protected in these legal actions.

If you want to schedule a consultation with one of the best paternity lawyers in Scottsdale, call us today. Let us help you establish paternity.

Contact Our Scottsdale Paternity Lawyer for a Free Consultation

If you have questions about a paternity suit, we can help you. At Genesis Family Law & Divorce Lawyers, we lean on our resources and experience in family law cases to fight for each client's rights. Now, we will do the same for you.

If there are questions about the child's birth, you need answers. Let us help you find them. Contact us today to schedule a free case consultation.