Paternity
A child does not have a legal father if the mother is not married when the child is born. Legal paternity has to be established for this child through the court. The easiest way is for both parents to sign a form saying that the child is theirs. However, paternity may need to be established by a genetic test. Paternity gives rights and benefits to the mother, the father and the child.
Similar to a Divorce, a paternity case starts with a legal document called a Petition to Determine Paternity. It is in the Petition where you ask for decisions about things like establishing who is the legal father, child custody, and child support.
If the other parent does not disagree with establishing the Paternity, that parent can file an Answer and Waiver and both parents acknowledge the paternity. The parties would also file a Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan to resolve all decisions related to parenting decisions and support.
In order to determine child support, both parents need to file Financial Affidavits and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet.
Other documents that need to be prepared and filed are:
A paternity case that can't be settled between the parties is contested.
Similar to a Divorce, a paternity case starts with a legal document called a Petition to Determine Paternity. It is in the Petition where you ask for decisions about things like establishing who is the legal father, child custody, and child support.
If the other parent does not disagree with establishing the Paternity, that parent can file an Answer and Waiver and both parents acknowledge the paternity. The parties would also file a Settlement Agreement and Parenting Plan to resolve all decisions related to parenting decisions and support.
In order to determine child support, both parents need to file Financial Affidavits and a Child Support Guidelines Worksheet.
Other documents that need to be prepared and filed are:
- Vital Statistics Form
- Notice of Related Cases
- Notices of Social Security Number (1 signed by each parent)
- Notice of Confidential Information (to accompany Notice of Social Security Number)
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA)
- Child Support Guidelines Worksheet
- Proposed Final Judgment
A paternity case that can't be settled between the parties is contested.