Dayton Paternity Attorneys

Establishing paternity is important in situations where the parents of the child or children are unmarried. If you are unmarried when a child is born, the child will not have a legal father, and the father’s name will not be placed on the birth certificate unless the parents establish him as the legal father. In Ohio, paternity can be established in several ways. First, it can be established at the time of birth in the hospital. It can also be established afterward with the local registrar or local child support agency. Finally, paternity can be established by an acknowledgment of the paternity affidavit. Our office can help you figure out the best and most convenient way to establish paternity based on your situation.

What Are The Legal Rights And Responsibilities in Ohio Once Paternity Is Established?

Once paternity is established in Ohio, a series of legal rights and responsibilities come into play for both the father and the child. Legally establishing paternity grants the father the right to seek custody and visitation. This is a crucial step for fathers wishing to be actively involved in their child's life, as it legally recognizes them as the child's parent, allowing them to make important decisions regarding the child's education, healthcare, and welfare.

With these rights come responsibilities, notably the obligation to provide child support. The father is expected to contribute financially to the child's upbringing, ensuring they have the necessary resources for a stable and healthy life. This support is calculated based on state guidelines, taking into account the father's income and the child's needs.

Establishing paternity also benefits the child by providing access to the father's medical history, potential inheritance rights, and eligibility for benefits like social security and health insurance. Moreover, it allows the child to develop a legal and emotional bond with both parents.

For mothers, establishing paternity can facilitate the enforcement of child support and provide clarity in custody arrangements. It is essential for parents to understand that while paternity establishes a legal relationship, custody, and visitation rights are determined separately and may require additional legal proceedings.

Consulting with an experienced Daytona paternity attorney near you can help navigate these complexities, ensuring that both parents' rights are protected and their responsibilities are clearly understood.

What If An Alleged Father Denies Paternity In Ohio?

When a parent denies paternity in Ohio, the legal system offers structured procedures to resolve the matter, ensuring that the child's best interests are prioritized. If paternity is disputed, the first step typically involves the county Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA). Either parent can request the CSEA to initiate genetic testing, which provides a scientifically reliable method to establish biological parentage. These tests usually involve a painless cheek swab from the child, mother, and alleged father, and boast an accuracy rate of 99% or higher.

If the alleged father refuses to voluntarily undergo genetic testing, the CSEA can escalate the matter to court. The court has the authority to order genetic testing, and failure to comply can lead to legal consequences, including being held in contempt of court. Once testing is completed, the results can establish or exclude paternity, forming the basis for any subsequent legal actions.

If paternity is confirmed, the father becomes legally responsible for child support and gains the right to seek visitation or custody. Conversely, if the test excludes the alleged father, he is not legally obligated for support.

In some cases, paternity denial might be addressed within broader legal actions, such as divorce or custody proceedings. These situations might require the expertise of a family law attorney to navigate the complexities of Ohio's legal system. Legal professionals can provide guidance, ensuring the rights and responsibilities of all parties are fairly represented and upheld throughout the process. Establishing paternity is crucial not only for legal clarity but also for the emotional and financial well-being of the child involved.

For experienced guidance with your matter, speak with a skilled paternity lawyer in Daytona from Arnold & Arnold, Ltd.. Contact us online or call (937) 888-2909 for a consultation.