In Arizona, a father has the right to establish paternity in order to pursue custody and visitation rights. If you are a father who is seeking to establish paternity, it is important to understand the court rules that will apply in your case. In this article, we will provide an overview of the court rules for establishing paternity in Arizona.

Why Would Someone Need To Establish Paternity?

There are many reasons why someone would want to establish paternity. In some cases, the father may want to establish paternity in order to have a relationship with the child. In other cases, the mother may want to establish paternity in order to get child support from the father.

The court will not automatically assume that the husband is the child’s father just because he is married to the mother. If there is any doubt about who the father is, either party can request that paternity be established through genetic testing. Once paternity is established, the father’s name can be added to the birth certificate and he will have legal rights and responsibilities regarding the child.

Court Rules For A Father To Establish Paternity In Arizona

Acknowledgment of Paternity

There are a few different ways that a father can establish paternity in Arizona. One way is by signing a document called an “Acknowledgment of Paternity” form. This form is usually available at the hospital when the child is born, or it can be obtained from the Arizona Office of Vital Records. Once this form is signed, it is filed with the court and becomes a legal order establishing paternity.

In Arizona, if the father’s name appears on the child’s birth certificate, he is presumed to be the legal father. This means that he has all of the rights and responsibilities of a father, including the right to seek custody or visitation and the obligation to provide child support.

In some cases, paternity can be presumed without the need for a court order. This is typically done when the child’s parents were married to each other at the time of the child’s birth, or if the father subsequently married the mother and his name is on the child’s birth certificate. If paternity has already been established in another state, that determination may also be recognized in Arizona.

If there is any doubt about who the father of a child may be, it is always best to err on the side of caution and seek a court order to establish paternity. This will ensure that there is no question as to the legal relationship between father and child and will give the father certain rights and responsibilities with regard to the child.

Adjudication of Paternity Through the Court

In order for a father to establish paternity in Arizona, he must adjudicate his paternity through the court. The process of adjudicating paternity is when the court makes a legal determination of who the father is. This can be done through DNA testing or by the court looking at other evidence to make a determination. Once paternity has been adjudicated by the court, the father will then have all of the rights and responsibilities that come along with being a father. This includes child support, custody, and visitation rights.

Genetic Testing

Another way to establish paternity in Arizona is through genetic testing. A court can order genetic testing if either party requests it, or if there is some reason to question whether the man listed on the birth certificate is the child’s biological father. Genetic testing can be done through a simple cheek swab and is generally considered to be very accurate.

The court may order genetic testing even if the parties do not agree to it. In some cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem for the child to represent the child’s best interests in deciding whether or not to order genetic testing.

If the father refuses to cooperate with genetic testing, the court can take a number of different actions. The court could find the father in contempt of court, which could result in fines or even jail time. The court could also refuse to hear any other case involving the father until he agrees to submit to genetic testing.

In some cases, the court may order the mother and child to be given sole custody if the father refuses to cooperate with genetic testing. This is typically only done in cases where there is some evidence that the father may be abusive or dangerous.

If the test results show that the father is not the biological father, then he will have no legal rights or responsibilities toward the child. This includes child support, custody, and visitation. The mother will be responsible for all financial support for the child.

The father will also not be required to pay any back child support that he may have already paid. However, he may be required to pay court costs and attorney’s fees if he ordered the genetic testing.

If the mother of a child refuses to accept the court’s order for genetic testing, the father may still be able to establish paternity. The court may order the mother to submit to testing, or it may appoint a guardian ad litem to investigate the case and make recommendations to the court. In some cases, the court may find that the best interests of the child would be served by granting custody to the father.

If you are looking for more information about establishing paternity in Arizona, be sure to contact an experienced family law attorney. Our team at GillespieShields can help answer any questions you may have and guide you through the process. Give us a call today to get started on your case!

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The attorneys at GillespieShields are well-versed in a variety of different legal fields, ranging from family law to civil suits, employment disputes and probate cases. Although we specialize in several areas of practice, our greatest passion is family law. We believe in giving families peace of mind no matter their situation, and we fight hard to maintain that peace. Whether you’re filing for dissolution or divorce, determining custody of your children, or thinking about adopting children, our experienced attorneys are here to help you every step of the way.  During our private, one-on-one consultation, we’ll take the necessary time to answer and and all of our questions surrounding Arizona’s family laws, your family’s unique situation, and the possible court outcomes. Contact us today for your consultation!

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