When it comes to paternity in Arizona, there is a lot of information floating around out there. But what is the best advice you can hear about paternity in Arizona in 2023? Keep reading to learn more!

Consult With An Experienced Family Law Attorney

If you are currently going through a paternity case in Arizona, or if you are considering filing for one, it is important to consult with an experienced family law attorney. There are many different aspects of paternity cases that can be complicated, and an experienced lawyer will be able to help you navigate the process.

One of the best pieces of advice about paternity in Arizona is to consult with an experienced family law attorney because they can help you understand your rights and options. Paternity cases can be very complex, and there are many different factors that need to be considered. An experienced attorney will be able to explain the different aspects of the case to you so that you can make informed decisions about your next steps.

Another reason why consulting with an experienced family law attorney is a good idea is because they can help you understand the Arizona laws that pertain to paternity cases. There are many different laws that govern how paternity cases are handled in Arizona, and an experienced attorney will be able to explain these laws to you. This knowledge can help you make sure that you are taking advantage of all of the legal options available to you and that you are not missing out on anything.

File The Correct Forms In A Timely Manner

There are a lot of important things to consider when it comes to paternity in Arizona. One of the best pieces of advice that you can receive is to make sure that you file the correct forms in a timely manner. This is because if you do not, it could result in a number of problems down the road.

If you want to establish paternity in Arizona, you will need to file a few different forms. The first form is the “Petition to Establish Paternity.” This form is used to request that the court legally establish the father-child relationship. You will need to include information such as your name, the child’s name, and the child’s date of birth on this form.

The second form that you will need to file is the “Consent and Acknowledgment of Paternity” form. This form must be signed by both the mother and the father of the child. By signing this form, the mother is agreeing that you are the legal father of the child.

The third form that you may need to file is the “Order to Show Cause.” This form is only necessary if the mother of the child does not want to sign the Consent and Acknowledgment of Paternity form. The Order to Show Cause will request that a hearing be held so that the court can decide if paternity should be established.

After you have filed these forms, the court will set a hearing date. At the hearing, both parents will have an opportunity to present their cases. After listening to both sides, the court will make a decision about whether or not paternity should be established. If the court decides in your favor, they will issue an “Order of Filiation.” This document legally establishes you as the father of the child and gives you all of the rights and responsibilities that come along with that title.

Know Your Deadlines

If you’re thinking about paternity in Arizona, one of the best pieces of advice you can hear is to know your deadlines. Paternity in Arizona has a few different deadlines that can impact your case, and it’s important to be aware of them so you can best plan your legal strategy.

The first deadline is the statute of limitations. This is the amount of time you have to file a paternity case in court. In Arizona, the statute of limitations for paternity cases is two years from the child’s birth. If you try to file a paternity case after this deadline has passed, the court will likely dismiss your case.

The second deadline is the age of majority. In Arizona, the age of majority is 18 years old. This means that if you want to file a paternity case, you must do so before your child turns 18. If you wait until after your child turns 18, they may no longer be legally required to participate in the case.

Knowing these deadlines is critical to successfully pursuing paternity in Arizona.

No One Can Force You To Take Genetic Testing, BUT…

If you are a man and you have been named as the possible father in a paternity case in Arizona, you may be wondering if you can be forced to take a genetic test. The answer is maybe. If the child’s mother files a paternity action with the court and names you as the possible father, she can request that the court order you to take a genetic test.

The best advice we can give you if you find yourself in this situation is to talk to an experienced Arizona paternity lawyer who can explain your legal rights and options to you. Depending on the facts of your case, it may be possible to challenge the request for genetic testing or reach an agreement with the child’s mother without going to court.

BUT…

There might be serious repercussions if you are accused of paternity in Arizona and you refuse to submit to a DNA test to establish your paternity. You can be found in contempt of court and forced to pay a fine or possibly spend time in jail. The court may also mandate that you pay child support and/or provide the child with health insurance.

While paternity can be a touchy subject for some, it is important to establish paternity as soon as possible. If you are considering fatherhood or have any questions about paternity in Arizona, please do not hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to provide you with the best advice and representation available in 2023.

Are You Looking for a Family Law Attorney You Can Trust?

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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