Here is when a father needs a child paternity lawyer

Posted by Reape Rickett on March 23rd, 2020

Many times, it so happens in life that you have to prove to the world that you are the parent to your child and related by blood like when you have to challenge the adoption of your child or adjust child support or visitation order. The child paternity lawyers can help you in attaining the paternal rights of your child.

Laws are very complicated and one related to exercising or terminating paternity rights can be complicated and involve confusing paperwork and court proceedings, it may be in your best interests to consult child paternity lawyers.

What is paternity law all about? 

Paternity refers to the establishment of the legal father of a child. Often, paternity issues arise in cases involving child support, but they can also be important concerning adoption, inheritance, custody and visitation, and health care. While many states require that paternity be established by a "preponderance of the evidence," meaning that it must be more likely than not that a putative father is a father; some states apply a higher standard.

If you're seeking to establish or challenge paternity in a civil suit, an attorney can help you in offering the correct evidence under state law and completing the proper paperwork.

In the case of terminating parental rights

Generally, parents have the right to determine their child's care and custody and to educate their child. In general, parental rights are terminated on an individual basis and voluntarily or involuntarily. The procedure for termination of parental rights can be very challenging and can vary from state to state. A fathers' rights attorney will know what is required for the termination in your state and help you through the process.

Involuntary termination occurs when one parent seeks to legally sever the rights of the other parent. Involuntary termination can also occur without either parent's consent when a state agency initiates legal proceedings to terminate the rights of both parents and allow the child to be adopted.

Adoption 

In all states, the birth mother and the birth father hold the primary right of consent to the adoption of their child. However, for a father to hold this right, he must first establish paternity. A father may also have this right terminated for reasons including abandonment, failure to support the child, mental incompetence, or a finding of parental unfitness due to abuse or neglect.

Adoption proceedings can differ depending on the state in which you reside. States have different rules concerning waiting periods, and in the case of older children, may have rules regarding the child's consent and potential counseling.  Paternity lawyers can work with you through the adoption process or in challenging an adoption.

Child support and custody

Once paternity is established, a father may be required to pay child support and can pursue child visitation or other custody rights. An attorney understands what's required in these situations and can work with you through the processes.

Orders of child support are issued by the family court and are based on state child support guidelines. An attorney can also help you negotiate and draft a parenting agreement that considers primary custody, visitation, education, health care, and changes to the parenting arrangement. Your lawyer can help you to reach an agreement that is equitable and that will be approved in court.