Parental rights law gives each parent certain rights and responsibilities, which depend on establishing a legal relationship between fathers and their children. Proving paternity ensures that children receive the financial support they deserve and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with both parents. Understanding the link between paternity cases and child support is crucial for protecting the rights of both parents and their children.

Child Support & Paternity

The Importance of Establishing Paternity

In Ohio and most other states, parental rights law assumes that the husband is the natural father of any child born into wedlock. However, if a child’s parents weren’t married, the mother may have to prove paternity before being awarded child support. For fathers, the stakes may be even higher, as they will not have any rights to custody or visitation unless they take legal responsibility for the children.

What if Paternity is in Dispute?

Contrary to popular belief, simply entering a person’s name on the birth certificate does not automatically make them the legal father of a child. In Ohio, the father must sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity Affidavit, which can be completed until the child’s 23rd birthday. If they fail to do so, Ohio parental rights law allows either party to request a genetic paternity test, the outcome of which will determine whether the father must pay child support or be allowed to participate in a child’s life.

Whether you’re involved in a paternity dispute or trying to collect past due child support, Don Roberts Law Offices is ready to team with you to meet your legal goals. With their extensive background in parental rights law, they have the expertise to guide you through the process and help achieve the best possible outcome for you and your children. Visit their website for more on their family law services or call (614) 777-4500 to speak with an attorney and schedule a consultation.

_{Don Roberts Law Offices is based in Columbus, Ohio, but serves clients throughout the State of Ohio. Our office in Hilliard, Ohio is convenient to Dublin, New Jefferson, Bexley, Westerville, New Albany, Hilliard, Grove City, Reynoldsburg, Gahanna, and other Franklin County municipalities. Our office is located in central Ohio and is just a short drive to/from anywhere in Ohio.  Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only and should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. See our profile at Avvo.com or Martindale.com.}