Phoenix Divorce Lawyer for Paternity Issues

In Arizona, both parents are legally bound to provide support and contribute to the well-being and safety of their child. These responsibilities remain unchanged regardless of whether the parents never married or if they married and then divorced. Paternity issues can arise when a mother seeks child support from a man she claims is the father but the man does not agree. In some cases, a father cannot obtain visitation and parental rights until he can prove that he is the father of the child.

Establishing Paternity in Arizona

In Arizona, sometimes the state will become involved in paternity issues. When this happens they may sue a man to recover and establish child support payments. To invoke this obligation, they will require that the father take a paternity test. Unfortunately for the father, once paternity is established he will be obligated to pay support but the state will not take action to establish his visitation or custody rights.

At The Wallin Law Firm, we can help an unmarried father get a full hearing to negotiate child support payments as well as visitation and parental rights. These rights are a key factor in preserving a father's relationship with his child. Establishing paternity is a vital step before issues such as the following can be worked out:

• Child support agreements
• Establish custody and visitation rights,
• Verify citizenship issues for the child,
• Access to medical or other coverage from the father's insurance plan
• Protect future inheritance benefits from the father's estate.

Paternity in Arizona is usually established by a court-ordered DNA test. We have helped many people resolve their problems regarding paternity and we are dedicated to protecting the best interests of children while preserving the rights of the parents. Call a Phoenix divorce lawyer at our offices today for a free consultation, and visit this website to learn more about the process of establishing paternity in Arizona.