Paternity In Alabama

When a child is born outside wedlock a paternity test establishes that child’s legal rights. Having a legal father means that child is entitled to veterans benefits, social security benefits and inheritance from that father. It also gives a child access to their family medical history. A mother or potential father can initiate paternity testing at anytime before a child reaches the majority age of 19.

Children born to married couples automatically have a legal father in the husband of their mother. The husband is assumed the father unless otherwise established through legal channels. Children born to unmarried mothers need to establish paternity. If a parent wants proof a biological connection DNA testing can provide that proof. The DNA test can exclude or include a person as a child’s biological father. This is one way you establish paternity and the results can be used as evidence in a court of law to establish legal parentage.

In Alabama the state uses three methods for establishing paternity:
1. Both parents can sign an Affidavit of Paternity. They can do this before or after they leave the hospital.This establishes that both parents agree to the paternity of a child. It must be notarized. Once it is filed it is considered legal and child support and custody can be decided based on it. All hospitals are required to offer an Affidavit of Paternity to unwed mothers.

2. The administrative process gives the State department of Human Resources the authority to order genetic testing. This avoids a court hearing.

3. The contested judicial process occurs when one parent denies paternity so a court orders genetic testing.

Information on Paternity In Alabama
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