Our law firm has handled countless cases where mothers or fathers are looking to establish paternity. Paternity is the legal action that acknowledges a man is the father of a child. The legal acknowledgement is called adjudication and provides fathers with a number of legal rights and responsibilities.
Our founder, Rosemary Escue Phillips, has almost 30 years of experience handling paternity matters. Whether you are a mother looking to establish child support or a father who wants to be able to spend time with his child, our law firm can guide you through the legal processes necessary. Contact a Goodlettsville fathers' rights attorney. We serve clients throughout the state of Tennessee.
What is a Paternity Action?
In Tennessee, the law says that unmarried fathers do not obtain legal rights to their children until they are legitimated in a court proceeding. In order to be adjudicated, fathers must file a paternity action which establishes them as the parent. Once a man is established as the parent, he obtains the rights that go with the title.
Many fathers come into our office and believe that they have the right to see their children because they signed papers at the hospital and appear on the child's birth certificate. However, under Tennessee law, this is not sufficient to establish fatherhood. You must file a paternity action. Our law firm knows exactly the step that you need to take to establish paternity and can help you with the complicated process.
Rights in a Paternity Case
When it comes to a paternity hearing, fathers have the right to the following:
- Right to attorney
- Right to hearing
- Right to DNA test
- Right to blood test
As a father, you have the responsibility to support your child from the time of their birth. Legally, you do not have to pay support until paternity is established. However, once paternity is established you become responsible for the support of your child from the date of birth. In other words, the child support is retroactive.
Contact a Hendersonville Paternity Attorney
If you are a father or mother looking to establish paternity and interested in child custody or support, it would be smart to speak with a lawyer who can guide you through the process. We are accessible via e-mail or by calling 615-239-0267 or toll free 888-845-7049. Contact us for more information.
