How A Paternity Test Could Affect Your Custody Or Support Agreements

Father’s rights are on the rise in the U.S. when it comes to divorce, child support, and child custody, but what does this mean for you?

If you’re a father in Tempe and you’re concerned about what rights you have, then The Law Office of Ronald Kossack can help. Read today’s blog to learn how a paternity test can affect your court-ordered child support or child custody agreement, and then contact our law office today to schedule a free initial consultation. We’re experienced in many aspects of family law, and we can help you with your case.

You Aren’t The Father

We’ve seen this situation play out in a few different ways:

  • You believe you’re the father and have helped care for the child for years. After divorce or separation, you become concerned that you aren’t the father.
  • An ex contacts you and requests you to start paying child support or taking care of your child — a child you never knew you had.
  • You and your spouse are separating, and you have reason to believe the child isn’t actually yours.

In situations like these, we highly recommend obtaining a paternity test. If you are ordered to pay child support but it turns out you aren’t the father, then the court ends the order, making it so you are no longer legally obligated to pay child support for a child that isn’t yours. However, we advise you to do this as soon as possible, because you will still be responsible for all previous child support payments prior to establishing paternity.

You Are The Father

Let’s say you and your ex weren’t married and you were never established as the father of the child. If this is the case, then the child’s mother has full legal custody and doesn’t have to involve you in any legal decision-making or custody agreements.

If this is your child, however, it’s understandable that you would like to obtain some form of custody and help raise them. A paternity test proving you as the father can give you this right — after it goes through the court. You can’t simply prove you’re the father and expect everything to change; you’ll still need to follow legal processes and go through the court before you can get joint custody. This is a serious matter in family law, and it’s essential you move through the process correctly. A family law attorney can help.

Get Help With Family Law In Tempe

Here at The Law Office of Ronald Kossack, we’re fully committed to our clients, their needs, and their families during the divorce, child support, and child custody processes.

Our experienced family law attorney can help you work through your family law case — including presenting a paternity test to the court to prove you either are or aren’t the father. Our family law firm is located in Tempe, but we serve clients throughout Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, and Mesa. You’re not alone when it comes to family law. Contact us today for a free initial consultation.

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