The Legal Process for Establishing Paternity and Fathers’ Rights

Are You Celebrating the Birth of Your Child?

Few things are more important than having a baby with the person you love. You’re already preparing for the long, restless nights and changing diapers, but you likely never thought about establishing paternity. That is, until your parental rights started getting threatened.

Barnds Law LLC will fight for your rights to parent your child. We will help you fight against predatory child support arrangements. Fathers face greater challenges when asserting their legal rights, and we won’t stand for it.

If you are going through a parental dispute, either because you want the same parental rights as your child’s other parent, or you are being targeted for child support payments for a child you doubt is yours. Call 913-514-0909 to schedule a strategy session with Barnds Law LLC.

What is Paternity and Why Does It Matter?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Biological paternity refers to their genetic connection, while legal paternity gives you, as the father, enforceable rights and responsibilities under the law. Without legal paternity, even if you are the biological father, you may be denied the ability to seek custody, visitation, or help make important decisions about the child’s upbringing.

Establishing legal paternity has more benefits than you may think. Established paternity ensures your child has access to financial support, medical history, and benefits like health insurance or Social Security. Paternity allows you to build and maintain a relationship with your child, especially in situations where you aren’t married to your child’s mother.

Establishing paternity is your first step in asserting your parental rights and becoming an active presence in your child’s life.

How Is Paternity Established in Kansas?

There are two primary ways to establish legal paternity, with the most common and easiest being to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP). This form is typically offered at the hospital shortly after a child is born. Both parents sign it, and then it must be filed with the Kansas Office of Vital Statistics. Once accepted, it has the same legal weight as a court order, although it can be challenged within 60 days.

If a VAP was not signed for some reason and there is a disagreement about who the child’s parents are, you can file a petition for paternity in district court. This is a formal legal process, and it may involve hearings and evidence. It is best to be prepared before filing, so call 913-514-0909 to speak with Barnds Law LLC so we can get started on your case.

When paternity is contested, the court usually orders DNA testing. Don’t worry; these genetic tests are easy, noninvasive, and highly accurate, meaning they are legally enforceable.

What Should You Do If Your Child’s Mother Is Contesting Paternity?

When this happens, you need to take immediate action to protect your rights. Follow these steps:

1. Call Barnds Law LLC: Our family law attorneys can help you gather evidence, file motions, and represent you during court proceedings. We will fight against false claims and protect your rights as a father.
2. File a Paternity Petition: Request a formal determination of paternity in district court. This gives the court jurisdiction to order testing.
3. Request DNA Testing: The court may require genetic testing to settle the dispute. Refusal to submit to testing will likely have a negative impact on the case.
4. Prepare for Hearings: Be ready to testify and provide documentation that supports your relationship with the child.
5. Stay Professional: Courts assess more than just the facts. They assess the credibility of each party. Staying calm and collected can help your claim.

What Are Your Legal Rights as a Father?

Once paternity has been successfully established, you are granted certain rights as the child’s legal parent. These rights include:

• Custody and visitation rights.
• The right to be involved in legal and medical decisions.
• Access to your child’s records, such as school and health records.
• The ability to petition for child support or shared expenses if you become the child’s custodial parent.

You also have the right not to pay child support for a child that is not legally yours. While we have largely concentrated on fathers fighting for their parental rights, we also help men not be taken advantage of with shady parental claims by the child’s mother without hard, verifiable evidence.

What Does a Family Law Attorney Do in Paternity Cases?

Attempting to take on paternity challenges without the guidance and advice of a legal professional is often overwhelming and costly. Attempting this process without the assistance of legal counsel can result in delays and expensive court fees for mistakes that could have been avoided. Going into this unprepared can result in you losing the ability to establish legal paternity.

Barnds Law LLC will help you navigate this legal process. We will file the correct petitions, respond to court notices, and ensure you meet all legal deadlines. We advocate for your rights as a father. We will gather the evidence that convinces judges of your rights and challenge inaccurate or downright false claims.

When Should You Call Barnds Law LLC?

You should call 913-514-0909 as soon as you start to sense that something feels off. Whether it’s being denied visitation or your child’s mother making comments about your legal paternity. The sooner you speak with a family law attorney, the sooner you can get your rights established and take on the important role in your child’s life that only a father can fill.

Contact us today for a strategy session. You can ask your important questions, and we will start building the foundations of a strong paternity case.