Family Law

Paternity

Even if an unmarried parent chooses not to be an active part of his or her child's life, he or she still has financial responsibilities by law. An unmarried mother can seek a paternity test to determine paternity and get the child support to which she is entitled. Similarly, a male who is or is alleged to be a child's father can seek a paternity test to dispute or confirm the child's parentage. Just because a party has a name on a birth certificate does not grant legal custodial rights to the non-custodial parent and the repercussions for not having paternity decided through the probate and family court can be significant.

At Amaral & Associates, P.C., we assist unmarried mothers and fathers throughout the paternity process. We also handle petitions for child support, custody, and visitation rights as part of the paternity process.