Virginia Parental Rights Lawyer
When a married couple has a child, there is a legal presumption that the child's father is the husband. With unmarried couples, on the other hand, there are many paternity disputes that can arise. At the law firm of Michael A. Ward, P.C., Attorney at Law, I represent mothers and fathers who are seeking to establish paternity.
Are you a mother who would like to establish paternity of your child? Are you being DNA tested as the father and would like to know your rights and obligations if paternity is established? Call me at 703-763-0896 for skilled assistance from a Fairfax paternity lawyer with more than 30 years of experience. I can meet with you at my Northern Virginia office in Fairfax or my Central Virginia/Lynchburg-area office in Forest.
How Is Paternity Established?
In my years as an attorney, I have helped many mothers and fathers resolve paternity disputes. There are two ways to reach a resolution:
- Paternity can be established voluntarily. If the father is certain he is the father, he can sign a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity. This can be done in the hospital after the baby is born or at any time after the birth. The father's name is listed on the birth certificate. A father does have the right at any time, however, to test paternity — even if he has been known as "dad" for many years.
- Paternity can be established through a paternity test. The mother files a paternity action to establish that the man she believes is the father is, in fact, the father. If the presumed father contests, he will have to submit to DNA testing, which is a genetic blood test. DNA testing is approximately 99 percent accurate. The father can also file a paternity action to establish that he is the father of the child.
What Happens When Paternity Is Established?
When paternity is established, the father is then obligated to pay child support. Additionally, the father is granted custody and visitation rights. My law firm can see you through a paternity action and answer any of your questions.
My law firm strives to protect your parental rights and serve the best interests of the child. Call me at 703-763-0896 or contact me online to schedule your consultation.
