Paternity In Arizona
What is Paternity?
Paternity is biological fatherhood. Legally both parents of a child have the responsibility to raise that child. In most cases establishing a child’s mother is easy, but in many proof may be required to identify a child’s father. When a man admits paternity he is automatically assuming the responsibility of raising that that child. If he denies paternity he or the child’s mother can file a paternity suit. Once paternity is established he will be required to reimburse any pregnancy expenses, child birth expenses and pay child support. DNA testing provides conclusive proof of paternity.
Establishing Paternity
Until more recent years establishing the paternity of a child conclusively wasn’t always possible. Back then a child’s mother needed other evidence to prove the man in question was in fact her child’s father. Now, DNA testing can determine a child’s parentage by nearly 100%. When paternity is established the father must pay child support and in some cases pregnancy and child birth expenses. If the man does not pay his wages can be garnished. his property can be taken and he may be required to serve jail time.
Legitimization and Paternity
If a child is born into a marriage he is automatically considered to be legitimate. Children born to unmarried parents need to prove legitimacy by establishing paternity. Once a child is considered legitimate the parents can establish child support, custody and visitation. The child is also entitled to either parents estate, inheritance or survivor benefits should they become deceased when the child is a minor.
Blood Test
Long ago they used to do blood test based on the seven blood types to determine parentage. However, this was not a conclusive method of establishing paternity. Children can only have the blood type that their father and mother’s blood type allows, but that does not cover for the fact that another potential father may have the same blood type as the potential father that is tested. The blood test of today are far more accurate. They compare the DNA profiles of the mother, child and potential father. However, to be accepted in a court of law a DNA test must be administered by a court approved laboratory.