After spending over eight years helping divorcing and divorced parents at DivorceNet.com, we wanted to provide a similar service to parents who challenge the paternity of their children. Here you can research both the law and science of paternity.

Your situation is far from unique, out-of-wedlock births are now commonplace. In fact, paternity cases outnumber divorce filings in many courts. If the alleged father signs a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, the courts don't have to decide parentage, but custody, visitation and child support often remain at issue. However, if legal paternity is at issue, i.e. the alleged father (and sometimes the mother) denies paternity, the parent who wishes to establish paternity must bring a paternity suit or action.

Unlike more conventional legal paternity cases, contested paternity actions are decided primarily on the scientific evidence of DNA paternity testing. Therefore, if biological fatherhood is in question, your first step is to conduct a paternity test. If parents can't agree to the test, the court will order it. These genetic test results are often conclusive, although courts often allow contradicting evidence, such as proof that the alleged father had no physical access to the mother at the time of conception.

Custody, child support payments and visitation schedules are often decided after paternity is established, whether contested or uncontested. While, mothers and fathers of children born to married parents have equal rights consistent with the "best interest of the child," many states favor mothers' rights when children are born to unmarried parents. Custody, child support and visitation are covered in great detail on DivorceNet.com, and local counsel will know more about your state's requirements in those areas.

Please feel free to fully utilize this site's resources. We have the most comprehensive paternity database on the internet, including web tools, related articles and FAQs, an "Ask the Experts" bulletin board, and links to DNA and paternity testing services to help you effectively answer your questions.

IDENTIGENE DNA Testing Center, in cooperation with Lawtek, provides DNA testing for paternity establishment. IDENTIGENE DNA Testing Center is accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks and is ISO 17025 certified by the National Forensic Science Technology Center (NFSTC) to be in compliance with its relevant quality standards.

Sincerely,
The Editors of PaternityNet.com

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