Phoenix Paternity Attorney

Gillespie, Shields & Durrant

Paternity is defined as the state of being a father.  In legal terms, paternity establishes the legal relationship a father has with a child.  Once a man has established paternity, he will incur legal parental rights and also incur responsibility for the child.  Many states have varying definitions when it comes to paternity because there are many cases where the recognized father is not necessarily the biological father. 

Types of Fatherhood

There are numerous different types and categories of fatherhood that vary from state-to-state.  First, there is the “acknowledged father”.  The acknowledged father is an unmarried man who admits that he is the father of the child.  Second, there is the “presumed father”.  A presumed father is a man who is married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth or who legally agreed to father his wife’s child.  Third is the “unwed father”.  The unwed father is an unmarried man who conceives a child with a woman.  Unwed fathers are responsible for paying child support and may also request visitation rights.  Finally, there is the “stepfather”.  A stepfather is not the child’s biological father.  Rather, he becomes a father by marrying a woman who has a child with another man.

Paternity & Child Custody

When it comes tochild custody and child support, paternity is very important.  For example, if an unmarried man wants to obtain custody of a child he believes is his, but the mother argues that the man is not the father, the man will have to establish his paternity.  This can be accomplished through a standard DNA test.  If the man is able to prove his paternity, he will have parental rights which will allow him to seek child custody or visitation privileges. 

Arizona Paternity Attorney

Providing Legal Service to Clients in Phoenix, Mesa, Chandler & Gilbert

The knowledgeable Phoenix paternity lawyers at Gillespie, Shields & Durrant are ready to provide you with reliable legal counsel.  We are committed to protecting the best interests of children and parents throughout the state of Arizona.  Contact our law office today to set up an initial consultation!