The relationship between a father and their child is very important. Establishing paternity is significant because it protects a father’s right to be a part of his child’s life. It also ensures that the mother can pursue the financial support that she may need through child support. At Law Office of Martoccio & Martoccio, we understand that it can be a highly sensitive situation and offer our clients compassionate representation.
Acknowledging Paternity
Paternity is the legal recognition of a fathers relationship to a child. When couples are married, paternity is clear and there is no need for legal action. When a child is born at a hospital, married parents provide details for the birth certificate and no further action is needed. However, unmarried parents will need to follow certain steps to establish paternity. If both parents agree to the paternity of the child, they can sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity (VAP) form.
If parents disagree on paternity or there is uncertainty about who the child’s biological father is, paternity may be established through an administrative process or judicial process. This process can be initiated by the mother or the father.
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