Scottsdale Paternity Law Services: Assert Your Rights

Comprehensive Paternity Representation in Scottsdale

Determining the paternity of a child is important because fathers have both rights and obligations to their children. Both a mother and a potential father may have an interest in determining paternity, and either parent can turn to the Arizona court for help. 

At Singer Pistiner, PC., our Scottsdale paternity attorneys understand that many people have complicated family situations. You can count on us to treat your case with the compassion and importance that it deserves. We can take all appropriate legal actions to determine paternity so that you can protect your child’s rights.

Call (480) 418-7011 or contact us online today to speak with our paternity lawyers in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Legal Guidance on Paternity Issues in Arizona

The question of paternity can arise in many different situations. As a general rule, if a husband and a wife are married when a child is born, there is a presumption that the husband is the father of the child. However, if a couple is not married then things can become more complicated.

If both mother and father agree on who the child belongs to, the father’s name can be put on the birth certificate, creating both rights and responsibilities.

If either the mother or the father questions paternity, a DNA test may be required to determine who the father of the child is. A potential father may submit voluntarily to a DNA test or may need to be compelled by the court to submit to a test.

Steps to Establish Paternity and Child Support in Arizona

An action to establish paternity may be brought both during pregnancy and after birth. In order for the father to be ordered to pay past-due child support, proceedings to determine paternity must be brought before a child’s 18th birthday.

An Action to Establish the Paternity of a Child & to Compel Support May Be Brought By:

• A mother
• A father
• A guardian or conservator of a child
• A public welfare official
• The state
• An adult who wishes to establish conclusively the identity of his or her father

Father's Rights and Responsibilities in Arizona

Establishing paternity is very important because the relationship of father/child confers many important rights and obligations on the father. 

Rights & Responsibilities of a Father:

• A father of a child has to give consent before the child is adopted and should have visitation rights if the couple decides not to raise the child together.
• According to Arizona code section §25-803, a father is also presumed to have legal decision-making authority over a child if paternity is established and the child has been living with the father for the greater part of the prior six months. The father will have this authority unless the court orders otherwise.
• The father of a child is obligated to pay child support whether he sees the child or not, and he cannot waive his parental rights without agreement of both parents and/or a court order that it is in the child’s best interests.

Advocating for Fathers' Parental Rights in Scottsdale

At Singer Pistiner, PC, we understand the importance of protecting your parental rights as a father. Our experienced paternity attorneys in Scottsdale are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process and ensure that your rights are upheld.

Some of the ways our paternity lawyers can assist you include:

• Establishing legal paternity: We can guide you through the process of establishing paternity in Arizona, including DNA testing and court proceedings if necessary.
• Child custody and visitation: We will advocate for your rights to have a meaningful and consistent relationship with your child, helping you negotiate custody and visitation agreements that are in the best interest of your child.
• Child support: Our attorneys can help you understand your rights and obligations regarding child support, ensuring that the financial needs of your child are met.
• Modifications and enforcement: If circumstances change or if the other parent fails to comply with court orders, we can assist you in seeking modifications or enforcing existing orders.

At Singer Pistiner, PC, we are committed to providing compassionate and personalized legal representation to fathers in Scottsdale. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and protect your parental rights.

How We Can Help

Hiring an experienced Scottsdale paternity attorney offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking to establish or dispute paternity. These legal professionals are well-versed in Arizona's paternity laws and can provide invaluable assistance throughout the process.

• Expert Guidance: Paternity cases can be complex, involving sensitive emotional and legal issues. Our experienced attorney can offer expert guidance, helping clients understand their rights and responsibilities while navigating the legal system efficiently.
• Accurate Documentation: To prove paternity, petitions must be filed, DNA testing must be obtained, and legal forms must be submitted. Our seasoned attorney ensures all paperwork is completed correctly and filed on time, reducing the risk of delays or errors that could jeopardize the case.
• Protecting Parental Rights: Whether you're a mother seeking child support or a father wanting to establish parental rights, an experienced paternity attorney can advocate for your interests. We can help secure child support, visitation, and custody arrangements that reflect the best interests of the child and protect your parental rights.
• Dispute Resolution: Paternity disputes can be contentious and emotionally charged. Our team can mediate between parties, helping to resolve conflicts amicably and avoid lengthy court battles. They can also represent clients in court if necessary, presenting a strong case backed by evidence and expert testimony.
• Emotional Support: Beyond legal expertise, our team provides emotional support during a challenging time. We can offer reassurance and guidance, helping clients make informed decisions and feel confident throughout the process.

Consulting with an experienced Scottsdale paternity attorney ensures that your case is handled professionally, your rights are protected, and the best interests of your child are prioritized.

Consult with Our Experienced Scottsdale Paternity Lawyers

An experienced attorney can help parents to understand their rights and to pursue a paternity case. The Scottsdale paternity lawyers at Singer Pistiner, PC. have extensive experience representing both mothers and fathers in matters related to paternity, custody, and support, and our paternity attorneys can put our family law experience to work for you.

Call (480) 418-7011 today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our Scottsdale paternity lawyers.