While child custody and support arrangements are an integral part of the divorce process, unmarried couples face additional challenges when attempting to enforce their parental rights. While the family court system does recognize the rights of parents to spend time with their children and receive financial support, you may have to complete several additional steps, including establishing paternity and hiring an experienced child custody lawyer.

Voluntarily Establishing Paternity

The federal government requires every state to have an easy option for unmarried couples to legally establish paternity. In Hawaii, for example, both parents can submit a signed Voluntary Establishment of Paternity form at the hospital when the child is born, or through your local Department of Health office later. Once it’s filed and processed, the father’s name will appear on the birth certificate, giving him all the rights and responsibilities of a legal and biological parent.

Establishing Identity Through the Courts

Disagreements about paternity are common in custody and support cases. If either parent is uncertain who a child’s father is, the matter must be resolved through the family court system. In most cases, settling these disputes requires a DNA test, a method of establishing paternity that leaves little room for doubt. However, these cases can be quite complex, so mothers seeking financial support and fathers pursuing access to their children should hire a skilled child custody lawyer.

The legal team at Kleintop & Luria LLP is widely recognized as one of Hawaii’s premier family law firms, providing effective guidance and counsel in even the most emotionally sensitive situations. With over a century of combined legal experience and a reputation for excellence, you can rely on their child custody lawyers to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your family. To schedule a consultation and learn more about their services, visit their website or call (808) 524-5183 today.