Establish Paternity in Rogers - Legal Guidance
Legal Paternity Services in Rogers and Surrounding Counties
Paternity is the legal recognition of fatherhood, which carries rights and responsibilities. In Arkansas, establishing paternity identifies a child’s legal father, providing the family with access to important benefits like medical history, health and life insurance, financial support, and more. For the mother, establishing paternity ensures support such as child support, visitation, custody rights, and involvement in legal decisions impacting the child’s life.
At Rogers Divorce Lawyer, our paternity attorneys are highly experienced professionals who guide families through paternity cases with discretion, professionalism, and ease. Contact us online or call us at 479-999-1912.
Voluntary and Court-Ordered Paternity Acknowledgment in Arkansas
In Arkansas, if a child is born to a married couple, the husband is automatically considered the legal father. However, when a child is born out of wedlock, paternity must be established either voluntarily or through a court order. Parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity under oath, establishing the father’s legal status.
This acknowledgment becomes final 60 days after signing and cannot be revoked unless fraud or coercion can be proven.
Five Legal Methods to Establish Paternity in Arkansas
In Arkansas, there are five ways to legally establish paternity:
Marriage: If the parents are married when the child is born, the husband is automatically considered the legal father.
Acknowledgment of Paternity: Unmarried parents can complete a legal document acknowledging paternity, either at the hospital or at a later time.
Court Order: If paternity is disputed, a judge may issue an order requiring DNA testing to confirm the biological father.
Administrative Order through Genetic Testing: A genetic or DNA test can establish paternity, leading to an administrative order confirming the father’s legal status.
Legitimation: If an unmarried couple has a child and later marries, they can submit documentation to the Arkansas Office of Vital Records to add the father to the child’s birth certificate.
Who Can Request Paternity?
In Arkansas, the following individuals and entities can request paternity to be established:
A government agency seeking to establish child support
A man who believes or is alleged to be the father
A mother seeking to determine the legitimate father of her child
The Arkansas Department of Child Support Services
A child, through a legal representative
Understanding Arkansas's Paternity Statute of Limitations
In Arkansas, a paternity action can be filed until the child reaches the age of majority (18). However, establishing paternity as early as possible allows the child to build a relationship with both parents and secure legal rights and benefits.
Schedule Your Paternity Consultation in Rogers
Establishing paternity can be a sensitive and complex issue, so it’s critical to seek the advice of an experienced attorney. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity, refute a paternity claim, or are involved in a paternity dispute, Rogers Divorce Lawyer is here to help.
Reach out online or call us at 479-999-1912 to book a confidential consultation today.