Birmingham Paternity Lawyer
When people have a child with another person, they automatically assume that they are the legal parent of the child. While this seems like a safe assumption to make, that is not always the case. When two people are married to each other and they have a child together, it is presumed that each person is the legal parent. In cases when a child is born within 300 days of a divorce, the man is also presumed to be the biological father of the child. In other cases, paternity will have to be established, and this can become complicated. Below, our Birmingham paternity lawyer explains further.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
There are many benefits for the whole family when paternity is established. Establishing paternity can allow a mother to pursue child support from the father, and it also gives fathers legal rights to custody and visitation rights. For the child, establishing paternity gives them an opportunity to form a real bond and lasting relationship with both of their parents. It also provides children with the right to the health insurance and other benefits each parent enjoys. Lastly, establishing paternity also gives the child the right to obtain a full medical history for both parents.
Who Can Establish Paternity in Birmingham?
There are many ways you can establish paternity in Birmingham. The easiest option is for the mother and father to voluntarily establish paternity, usually shortly after the birth of the child. When the two parties in question cannot agree on paternity, they will have to take the matter to court. There, a judge will likely order a DNA test to determine paternity.
Many people think that only a mother or an alleged father can start a paternity action, but that is not always the case. A number of other parties can also seek to establish paternity and they include:
- Alabama’s Department of Human Resources
- An authorized adoption agency
- A child-placement agency that is licensed in the state
- The legal representative of a person who would have a right to contest paternity but who do not have the capacity to do so due to incapacity, death, or because they are under age
- Anyone who has a direct interest in the paternity of the child but is not listed in the above categories
It is also important to note that children can also start a paternity action. Due to the fact that children are usually underage and are not considered to have the capacity to take legal action on their own, an adult would have to act on the child’s behalf.
Our Paternity Lawyer in Birmingham Can Provide Sound Legal Advice
If you have a paternity issue, it is important to work with a Birmingham paternity lawyer who can advise on your case. At Peeples Law, our seasoned attorney can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and give you the best chance of success. Call us now at 205-403-5577 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.