Paternity

Paternity in Montgomery County

Providing Legal Clarity with Compassionate Support

Under Ohio law there is a legal presumption that a child born during a marriage is the product of the marriage. This presumption can be rebutted, however, and the husband proven to not be the father, usually through DNA testing.

Establishing Paternity in Ohio

If a child is born and the mother is not married, there is no marital presumption. No one is presumed to be the father. In this context, the “Acknowledgment of Paternity” was created. The “Acknowledgment of Paternity” is a written, sworn legal document, signed under oath by both the unmarried mother and the alleged father.

Under certain circumstances this admission of parentage by the alleged father cannot be rebutted and cannot be reversed, even if DNA tests later show that the alleged father is not the actual biological father.

The law requires fathers to support their children and encourages them to stay involved.

Establishing legal paternity is crucial for both the father and the child. Our experienced Montgomery paternity lawyers can guide you through the process of legally acknowledging paternity and help you understand the rights and responsibilities that come with it. Whether you need to establish paternity for child support, custody, or visitation purposes, we can provide the legal support and representation you need.

Benefits of establishing legal paternity in Ohio include:

Access to child support and medical benefits
Legal rights to custody and visitation
Emotional and psychological benefits for the child
Establishing a legal connection between father and child

Importance of Establishing Paternity in Ohio

Establishing paternity is essential for various reasons, including:

Legal Rights and Responsibilities: Paternity determination ensures that the legal father has rights and responsibilities toward the child, including custody, visitation, and decision-making.
Child Support: It establishes the obligation of the father to provide financial support for the child.
Inheritance and Benefits: A legally recognized father can ensure that the child receives inheritance rights and benefits such as social security, health insurance, and veteran’s benefits.

Methods of Establishing Paternity

In Montgomery County, paternity can be established through several methods:

Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form, which legally establishes the father’s paternity without going to court.
Court Order: If paternity is disputed or if the parents are not in agreement, a court can order genetic testing to determine paternity.
Presumption of Paternity: In certain cases, such as when a child is born to a married couple, the husband is presumed to be the legal father.

Our Montgomery County Paternity Services

Paternity Establishment

Whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity for child support purposes or a father seeking to assert your parental rights, our attorneys can guide you through the process. We handle voluntary acknowledgments and court-ordered paternity actions with diligence and care.

Paternity Disputes

If there is a dispute regarding paternity, we provide strong legal representation to protect your rights and interests. Our team will help you navigate genetic testing, legal proceedings, and the presentation of evidence to resolve the dispute effectively.

Paternity and Child Support

Establishing paternity is often a crucial step in securing child support. Our attorneys will assist you in ensuring that appropriate financial support is established and enforced, providing for your child’s needs.

Paternity and Custody

Once paternity is established, we help fathers assert their rights to custody and visitation. We strive to create fair and balanced parenting plans that serve the best interests of the child and maintain strong parent-child relationships.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Gump & Deal?

Experienced and Knowledgeable

Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling paternity cases in Montgomery County. We stay updated on the latest laws and regulations to provide you with accurate and effective legal advice.

Compassionate and Personalized Service

We understand the emotional and sensitive nature of paternity cases. Our team offers compassionate support and personalized attention to each client, ensuring that your concerns are heard and addressed.

Strong Advocacy

We are committed to advocating for your rights and interests. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity or contest a paternity claim, we provide robust legal representation to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.

Understanding the Importance of Paternity in Ohio

Time is a crucial element in every Parentage case. Failure to promptly assert parental rights can result in your child being removed from the State or even adopted without your consent. Not until Parentage has been established do the usual parenting issues of custody, visitation and support apply.

Contact us today to get started with a paternity lawyer near you at (937) 888-3246.

Ohio Paternity FAQ

Can the 'Acknowledgment of Paternity' be reversed?

Under certain circumstances, the admission of parentage by the alleged father cannot be rebutted and cannot be reversed, even if DNA tests later show that the alleged father is not the actual biological father.

What happens if parental rights are not promptly asserted?

Failure to promptly assert parental rights can result in your child being removed from the State or even adopted without your consent. It is important to establish parentage to address custody, visitation, and support issues.

What does Ohio law presume in the case of a child born during a marriage?

Under Ohio law, there is a legal presumption that a child born during a marriage is the product of the marriage. This presumption can be rebutted through DNA testing if the husband is proven to not be the father.

What is the purpose of the 'Acknowledgment of Paternity'?

If a child is born and the mother is not married, there is no marital presumption. The 'Acknowledgment of Paternity' is a written, sworn legal document, signed under oath by both the unmarried mother and the alleged father to establish paternity.

What are the implications of establishing paternity in Ohio?

Establishing paternity is crucial for addressing custody, visitation, and support issues. It also ensures that fathers support their children and stay involved in their lives.

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