ESTABLISHING PATERNITY/ FATHER'S RIGHTS

A paternity matter is the legal avenue available to non-married parents to establish custody, visitation, and/or child support.  Although a common misconception, this does not necessarily mean that a DNA test will be required.  The actual paternity testing (DNA test) is only necessary if the paternity of the Father is disputed.  In a paternity proceeding, the Court establishes a Parenting Plan.  A parenting plan acts as a guide for parents to utilize regarding custody, parenting time, decision making, and financial arrangements for the children. Without a Court Ordered Parenting Plan in place, one parent could suddenly relocate with the child across the country, withhold parenting time from the other parent, or make a major decision regarding the child without consulting the other parent.