While it may be easy determining the birth mother of a child, knowing who the father is carries significant weight, especially for an unmarried couple. Establishing paternity is not just a matter of verifying the identity of the father, but it also gives legal status to the relationship between the father and the child. In Alabama and other states, this means paternity grants certain rights and responsibilities.
A man may refuse to acknowledge paternity because it obligates him to provide financial support to the child. However, paternity also offers the opportunity for a relationship with the child, which includes parenting time if the court approves. Studies show that children benefit from spending time with their fathers. The children also obtain the right to inherit from the father’s estate, and they will not have to wonder about their family history should medical issues arise.
Navigating the paternity process
If one or both parents wish to establish paternity, there are several paths to take. Ideally, both parents would agree and acknowledge the identity of the father. He would then sign documentation acknowledging paternity. However, it does not always go this smoothly. If one or the other parent contests the paternity, the court may order genetic testing to confirm the father’s relationship to the child.
The paternity process can be complex and fraught with emotion, depending on the outlooks of those involved. It has the potential for complicated and long-reaching legal ramifications. A conclusive test does not automatically result in custody or child support, so parents will likely be dealing with additional family law matters, which are best addressed by an Alabama legal professional.