Important Paternity Suits Information

In the unfortunate event that a parent finds herself or himself alone with the newborn,
there are options an individual can take in hopes of improving the life of both the parent
and child. When an unwed mother accuses a man of being the father of her child or vice
versa, this is a legal dispute called a paternity suit. Where paternity of a child is an issue,
any party in interest, the mother, the father, or the child, can ask the court for a
determination. A private action for paternity is usually either brought by the mother (at
times with the counsel of an expert San Diego divorce attorney) in order to get support or
by the father to establish his legal rights as the father. Regardless of who brings the
paternity suit to court, litigation can be brought by a private party.

In San Diego divorce lawyers advise clients to familiarize themselves with terms and
definitions of paternity suits when filing this type of case

A person identified as the child's father in paternity suits is called the "putative father".
When the suit names the putative father as a defendant in a paternity case, he has a choice
of either consenting to the entry of a paternity judgment or contesting the action. If the
putative father consents, he would sign a Declaration Acknowledging Paternity, which
would establish the legal relationship between the father and the child. It is imperative
that you seek the advice of a San Diego family law attorney in your area before
consenting.

If the putative father denies that he is the father or is not sure, DNA tests based on a
cheek swab conducted on him, the mother, and the child can indicate a probability of
paternity. The tests can exclude a man who is not the biological father and show the
likelihood of paternity if he is not excluded.

DNA testing has become the most powerful test for determining paternity and is
admissible in paternity trials. The percentage is usually from 95 to 99 percent. That
means that if the test determines that the probability is that percentage or higher, paternity
is presumed. The burden is on the putative father to rebut the presumption, which is a
very difficult task. In addition to child support, paternity establishes emotional, social,
and economic ties between the father and the child. Once paternity is legally established,
the child gains certain legal rights and privileges.

In California, there are critical time limitations on bringing an action for paternity.
Therefore, in order to protect your rights as a father, mother, or those of your child, it is
important that you check with an experienced San Diego family law attorney regarding
paternity laws.

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