Paternity
The filing of a Paternity action is a common first step to establish a parent child relationship, as well as the rights and responsibilities that come with that relationship, in cases involving parents who were never married.
WHO FILES A PATERNITY ACTION?
Arizona paternity laws establish the rights and obligations of a father. If a child is born to an unmarried woman in Arizona, there is no presumption as to who the biological father of the child is. Either a mother or a father can bring a legal action to establish the paternity of the child.
A mother can compel a father to go to court and take a paternity test so that the court will order child support to be paid. Likewise, a father who wishes access to his child may also pursue a paternity action in order to be recognized as having a legal right to the child.
If a father declines to pursue a paternity action and/or does not add his name to the Arizona Putative Father Registry within 30 days of the child’s birth, the father may no longer be required to give consent before the adoption of his child takes place. Therefore, it is imperative for Fathers to know and understand their responsibilities to enable them to preserve their rights under the law.
It is in the best interests of both mother and father to establish paternity. Paternity must be established for a mother to receive child support. Additionally, paternity must be established for a father to have rights if the parties were never married.
CONTACT AN EXPERIENCED ATTORNEY TO DISCUSS YOUR PATERNITY CASE
The stakes are high in Paternity actions. You need experienced legal counsel to help you to navigate your way through this process. Attorney Tara Kilby has litigated countless Paternity cases through the years. The Law Office of Tara Kilby represents both mothers and fathers who wish to take advantage of legal protections afforded to them. Call (480) 634-8001 to schedule your complimentary thirty minute consultation to discuss your questions regarding Paternity.
From our main office located in the East Valley in Mesa, Arizona and our satellite office located in the West Valley in Glendale, Arizona, the Law Office of Tara Kilby represents clients throughout Phoenix and the entire Phoenix Metropolitan area including Scottsdale, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Tempe, and all West Valley cities in Maricopa County in addition to Queen Creek and San Tan Valley located in Pinal County.