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Paternity in Arizona

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PATERNITY in Arizona

After giving birth to a child, determining the father is one of the most important parts of the early parenting process, especially if the parents of the child are not married. Paternity must be established and proven for the father to secure his parenting rights. This usually involves the use of DNA testing. This process can be implemented by either the mother or father.

A mother who seeks to establish it will typically do so to obtain child support from the father. In the alternative, the unmarried father will typically seek it to establish his parental rights with the child or to refute paternity when denying the responsibility to pay child support. Given the formal nature of these proceedings, utilizing an experienced family law attorney is paramount to your rights in this case.

Paternity in AZ

How Is Paternity Defined in Arizona?

Paternity is a legal term that refers to the biological relationship between a father and his child. Depending on the relationship between the parents, paternity can either be implied or established. Traditionally, a DNA test has been used to establish paternity and a father’s relationship with his children by demonstrating their shared biological ancestry.

These tests, customarily conducted in a legal setting, can be used to prove paternity for a wide range of legal issues by showing an essential biological connection between father and child. Paternity testing can be used to corroborate or refute claims made by either side in cases when couples disagree over the man’s status as the child’s biological father. The relationship is used as a determining factor for any further testing or parenting decision-making rights.

How Does A Father Establish Paternity in Arizona?

Establishing paternity can be done in three distinct ways:

  • The presumption of paternity due to marital or relationship status
  • An outright acknowledgment of paternity by the father and mother by completing paternity paperwork
  • Going to court to establish paternity via a paternity test

Depending on the relationship status of the parents of the child, the distinction of paternity can either be implied or established. Implied paternity, as the name suggests, is paternity that is assumed by circumstance. Established paternity, on the other hand, is paternity that is proven or reinforced by a specific test, legal measure, or agreed-upon acknowledgment.

Paternity Via Relationship Status

Men in a marriage or long-term relationship with the mother of the child are assumed to be the father of the children had by their partners under four circumstances:

  • Ten months before the child is born, the father was married to or in a relationship with the mother.
  • The child was born within ten months of a divorce, separation, annulment, breakup, legal separation, or death.
  • Both the mother and the father sign the birth certificate of the child.
  • Unmarried couples can apply to have their parental rights legally recognized despite not being married.

Paternity Via Paternity Paperwork

To establish legal paternity and prevent uncertainty even if the relationship status changes, both parents can complete a Voluntary Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity form at a local Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) office. For parents who are not married either before or after the birth of the child, hospitals, birthing facilities, and the Arizona Bureau of Vital Records offer paternity establishment services through the Hospital Paternity Program (HPP). Fathers can also complete the Voluntary Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity form, sign it, and submit it to the court or a government body.

Paternity Via Court-Ordered Paternity Test

In situations where paternity is in question, a DNA match can prove paternity. This constitutes taking a tissue or blood sample from both the presumed father and the child. Once compared, the amount of similar DNA present is used to determine paternity.

Child Custody Guide

What If Parents Do Not Cooperate With an Arizona Court Order?

The Family Reforms Act of 1969 gave the court the authority to order blood tests in paternity situations where the paternity of a child is in question. This often occurs during litigation to establish child support, parenting time, or legal decision-making rights. The courts have the power to issue orders regarding DNA testing and the collection of blood samples from the mother, the child, and any man who is allegedly the father.

In some situations, one parent does not cooperate with the paternity process, leading to an escalation of efforts to prove a genetic link between a father and his child. For example, if a father is continuously unwilling to provide a DNA sample despite a court order, this could complicate the paternity process and sometimes lead to legal repercussions. Frequently, the Assistant Attorney General’s office will receive these cases and pursue harsher actions in order to facilitate cooperation. Paternity hearings are especially common during child support and child custody battles and are necessary for moving forward with the process of creating a child support plan or custody arrangement.

How Long Does It Take To Establish Paternity In AZ?

Depending on the type of paternity established, the time it takes for legal recognition of paternity can vary. For example, married fathers can be named fathers immediately after the child’s birth, or after signing the birth certificate, due to implied paternity. Submitting a petition for Voluntary Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity is a similar process.

For more complex cases, such as those requiring DNA testing to verify paternity, the results of the test can take up to three days to be received by the court. Once delivered to the court, the evaluation of the results means there will be additional time necessary before the court reaches a final paternity decision. Once the decision is recorded, the man is immediately considered the father of the child.

Is Arizona a Father’s Rights State?

In the past, it was often difficult for fathers to establish paternity if the process was blocked by the mother. However, laws pertaining to fathers’ rights have changed across the US. Arizona now acknowledges that it is in the child’s best interests to have significant, frequent, meaningful, and ongoing parenting time with both parents as a matter of public policy and in the absence of compelling evidence to the contrary. Arizona Revised Statutes §25-103 provides this protection and advocates for fathers’ rights to parent their children, giving fathers more representation in a traditionally biased court. This statute ensures that fathers have the same legal entitlements to parenting time, legal decision-making, and child support as mothers, whether they are married or not.

When advocating for the father’s rights, paternity testing can be used as a way to solidify a father’s legal rights by proving that he is the father of the child in question. For example, if a mother wants to argue for full custody of a child after a divorce, claiming that the father of her child is not the actual father, paternity testing may be enforced by the court to either prove or  deny these allegations. Similarly, in instances where a mother is seeking child support from a man that she claims is the father of her child, and he objects on the grounds that he is not the father, paternity testing can be used to officially determine the truth. Advances in both paternity testing and recognition of fathers’ rights in Arizona have made this possible, helping fathers receive equal rights regarding their involvement with their children.

Can A Mother Keep A Child Away From Their Father In Arizona?

Marriage continues to be one of the most significant determining factors when evaluating child custody, especially in situations where the child’s parents are unmarried. In Arizona, if a woman gives birth to a child outside of marriage, she automatically becomes their sole legal guardian until paternity is proven or the court chooses the custodial parent. The mother has the authority to make decisions for that child up until that point without consulting the biological father. However, at any point, the biological father may seek paternity testing to claim parental rights if not already agreed upon or legally recognized. Equal opportunity to seek decision-making and caregiving rights is guaranteed for both the mother and father of a child. However, paternity must be established before these rights are honored.

Without paternity in place, a child born to an unmarried mother may be placed for adoption, taken away from the father, or denied access to the father without consulting the father beforehand. In Arizona, paternity is required before creating a custody agreement, or before the mother may ask the biological father for child support. By law, in Arizona, both biological parents are then legally entitled to make decisions for their shared children, unless a predetermined custody agreement is in place.

Can A Mother Refuse A Paternity Test In Arizona?

Up until the child reaches the age of 18, unmarried parents may freely recognize a child without DNA testing. However, while determining child custody or child support payments in the absence of this recognition of paternity, paternity testing can be used to genetically confirm the parents of a child before payment plans and custody agreements are drafted. Unmarried parents can also fill out an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity (AOP) form in any child support agency to voluntarily recognize paternity under Arizona Revised Statutes § 25-812. Any parent of a child born to unmarried individuals—including a legal guardian, father, or mother—can petition the court for DNA paternity testing to properly determine a guardian for the child.

When the court orders paternity testing, a mother does not have to submit any DNA to confirm her own genetic link to the child in question and reserves the right to refuse to test. However, she must allow the court to test the child. Fathers, on the other hand, have an obligation to submit to a DNA test and may face criminal charges for refusing. If a father refuses a court-ordered paternity test or if a mother refuses to present the child for a test, they may be held in contempt of court until submitting to the test.

Does Signing A Birth Certificate Establish Paternity In Arizona?

Birth certificates are much like any formal legal document, and an acknowledgment of the information on that document is legally binding. When two parents sign a birth certificate after a child is born, they are legally recognized as that child’s parents. Paternity is then established for the father.

So, what if you are the biological father, but your partner refuses to put you on the birth certificate?

In instances where the birth certificate is not immediately signed, you may seek alternative forms of paternity verification, such as:

DNA Testing

As mentioned, DNA testing is the best and most accurate way of verifying a paternal link between a father and his child if implied paternity is not an option. Genetic testing must establish a 95% chance of paternity in order to satisfy the burden of proof that legally declares a father the biological father of his children.

DNA testing can prove who is the child’s biological father and is also frequently used to eliminate prospective fathers. This is helpful in situations where the parental link is unverifiable by other means. In most cases, DCSS will cover the costs of DNA testing for the mother, father, and child unless a paternal link is established, wherein he will then pay the cost of the tests.

Birth Certificate

Filing Legal Paperwork

Depending on the status of the relationship between both parents, paternity can be established via paperwork. This may be an option if the child’s mother later regrets her decision to omit the father’s name from the birth certificate. The Voluntary Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity form may be filled out and signed by both parents in person at a DCSS office.

In summary, signing a birth certificate is a surefire way to ensure paternity, so it is the means by which most parents establish the father’s legal status. However, this may not be an option for some fathers. Whether you are experiencing issues with your relationship or have made a simple mistake that led to a lack of paternity establishment early on, these options may help you establish your paternity rights. If the child’s mother is resistant to establishing paternity, you will need to request a court order for genetic testing, the most reliable form of paternity establishment. Filing paperwork with the DCSS takes cooperation and input from both parents, and voluntary genetic testing can be denied by the mother.

What Are a Father’s Rights If He’s Not on the Birth Certificate In AZ?

In Arizona, if a father is not listed on the birth certificate, he will likely need to establish paternity to assert any rights as a parent. While an informal parenting agreement with the mother may afford him some parenting time, that agreement can end at any time according to the mother’s wishes if he is not legally considered the father of the child. This can be done through the legal process called “paternity establishment” described above, which involves both parties signing a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity or creating a legal petition to determine paternity.

Some common scenarios where a father may not be listed on the birth certificate include:

  • The parents were not married at the time of conception or birth
  • The mother did not list the father on the birth certificate for any reason
  • The parents have not yet determined the paternity

In Arizona, any father not listed on the birth certificate must establish paternity before attempting to exercise his rights as a parent. Without establishing paternity, the father has no legal rights to the child. In addition, the courts cannot enforce an informal parenting agreement made between a mother and a non-established father.

Once paternity has been established, a father in Arizona will enjoy the same rights as any other legally recognized father. This includes the right to be notified of any decisions made about the child’s healthcare and schooling, the right to be responsible for financial support, the right to seek custody and visitation, and more.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Arizona?

There is no specific time limit for establishing paternity in Arizona. A father can establish paternity at any time before the child turns 18. However, it is generally in the child’s best interests for paternity to be established as soon as possible, as this can provide the child with legal and financial security and ensure that the father has the opportunity to be involved in the child’s life.

It is worth noting that Arizona statute declares that mothers must establish paternity within a year of the child’s birth. However, when child custody, child support, or other extenuating factors are involved, this statute of limitations may be altered.

Can An Informal Parenting Agreement Work?

An informal parenting agreement, also known as an informal custody agreement or a verbal custody agreement, is an arrangement between parents about how they will share the responsibilities of parenting their child. While informal parenting agreements can be a useful way for parents to come to an understanding about their child’s care, they are not legally binding and do not have the same legal force as a court-ordered custody or parenting time arrangement.

In fact, one of the main drawbacks of an informal parenting agreement is that it can be difficult to enforce. If one parent fails to follow the terms of the agreement, the other parent may have limited options for seeking recourse. In addition, if the parent’s circumstances change or they cannot agree on a particular issue, it can be difficult to modify an informal agreement. In addition, as mentioned, a father who has not been listed on the birth certificate, named as the presumed father, or recognized via a court-ordered paternity test will not be able to request the enforcement of an informal parenting agreement. For these reasons, it is generally advisable for parents to seek a court-ordered parenting agreement rather than relying on an informal agreement.

What Are the Advantages of a Court-Approved Parenting Plan?

A court-approved parenting plan is a legally binding document that sets forth the terms of parenting time and decision-making rights for the parents of a child.

There are several advantages to having a court-approved parenting plan in place:

  • Legal Protection – A court-approved parenting plan has the full force of the Arizona Family Court behind it, which means that it can be enforced by the court if one parent fails to follow the terms of the agreement. This can provide greater protection for both parents and the child.
  • Predictability – A court-approved parenting plan describes clear, specific terms for custody and parenting time, which can provide greater certainty and predictability for both parents and the child. This can help to reduce conflict and uncertainty about the child’s care.
  • Modification – If the parents’ circumstances change or they cannot agree on a particular issue, a court-approved parenting plan can be modified via a court process. This can provide a structured and fair way to address changes in the parents’ circumstances.
  • Mediation – If the parents cannot come to an agreement on their own, a court-approved parenting plan can be developed via mediation, a process in which a neutral third party helps the parents reach an agreement. This can be a more collaborative and less adversarial way to resolve disputes.

Overall, a court-approved parenting plan can provide greater legal protection, certainty, and predictability for both parents and the child and can be a useful tool for managing parenting responsibilities.

What Makes an Effective Paternity Attorney in Arizona?

Whether you are a father or a mother looking to establish paternity, you’ll need a family law attorney skilled in managing these unique cases. An effective paternity attorney in Arizona is a lawyer who has the skills and experience necessary to help clients navigate the legal process of establishing paternity and asserting their rights as a parent.

Some specific qualities that may make an effective paternity attorney in Arizona include the following:

  • Knowledge of Arizona Law – An effective paternity attorney should thoroughly understand Arizona’s laws and procedures related to paternity establishment, custody, and parenting time. This includes knowledge of the various options for establishing paternity and the factors the courts consider when making decisions about custody and parenting time.
  • Strong Communication Skills – A paternity attorney should be able to clearly and effectively communicate with clients, opposing counsel, and the courts. This includes the ability to explain legal concepts to you in a way that is easy to understand and the skill to advocate for your interests in court.
  • Ability to Negotiate – In many cases, paternity disputes can be resolved through negotiation with the child’s other parent rather than going to court. An effective paternity attorney should be skilled at negotiating and finding creative solutions that meet the needs of all parties involved.
  • Attention to Detail – Paternity cases often involve complex legal issues and a large amount of documentation. An effective paternity attorney should be detail-oriented to review and analyze legal documents and evidence carefully.
  • Compassion and Understanding – Paternity cases can be emotionally charged, and a paternity attorney must be able to handle sensitive issues with compassion and understanding. An effective attorney should also listen to the client’s concerns and provide support and guidance throughout the legal process.
  • Ability to Manage Expectations – A paternity attorney should manage the client’s expectations about the legal proceedings to come and the likely outcomes of their case. This may involve explaining the strengths and weaknesses of the client’s case and helping the client understand the risks and benefits of the various options.
  • Resourcefulness – A paternity attorney should be resourceful and able to think on their feet, particularly if the case involves unexpected developments or challenges. This may involve finding creative solutions to legal issues or using resources such as expert witnesses to strengthen the client’s case.

Overall, an effective paternity attorney in Arizona should have the knowledge, skills, and personal qualities necessary to help clients navigate the legal process of establishing paternity and asserting their rights as a parent. If you are searching for a paternity attorney in Phoenix and the surrounding areas, The Valley Law Firm can help.

Find Legal Representation to Establish Your Parental Rights

As a father, building a bond with your child is essential to creating the healthy, loving relationship you deserve, and that begins with recognizing your parental rights. If you are not the presumed father of your child or children, paternity must be verified by the state of Arizona to ensure you are granted parental rights. It is critical that you begin the process as soon as possible to prevent unfair child support, parenting time, and decision-making rulings. Protecting your parental rights is of the utmost importance for our family law firm, and our skilled attorneys can provide you with legal assistance through your paternity proceedings.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

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