When a married couple has children, it is normally assumed that the husband is the father. However, this may not be the case. Also, when an unwed mother has a child, the paternity of the father may be very much in question.
The mother may wish to establish paternity of the father for financial reasons. If the suspected father refuses to admit paternity, the mother may request a court hearing. The suspected father is required to attend. Based on the testimony, the judge may require a DNA test. The suspected father is required to comply. This is called “involuntary paternity determination”.
If paternity is established through DNA testing, the father may be required to make child support payments. The father may or may not be granted visitation rights. This will be determined through the circumstances. If you are involved in this type of situation, you would be well advised the consult with a qualified family law attorney.
Steven W. Hair, focuses his practice as a divorce attorney, family law attorney in Clearwater, Palm Harbor, and Safety Harbor.
For more information, visit our website at www.FamilyLawClearwater.com
or call (727) 726-0797.