Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. In most cases, this is a straightforward process that involves DNA testing and has no impact on your family. But sometimes things aren't so simple: A child could be born out of wedlock or to married parents who aren't living together.
In these situations, paternity can be difficult to establish because there's no biological proof that one person is the dad.
When this happens, you may need an experienced Family Lawyers Melbourne by your side who can help you protect your rights as a parent if it's unclear whether someone else has visitation rights or custody over your child.
Legal Assistance
Family law is a complex area of law, and it can be difficult to navigate without the help of an experienced family lawyer. If you're having trouble establishing paternity or need help with custody, support, and other family law matters, then speak with a family lawyer today.
A skilled Family Lawyer in Melbourne will be able to assist with divorce and separation, as well as challenging paternity if necessary.
Grounds to Consider
If you're considering challenging paternity, there are a few factors to consider. First, you must be sure that the man named on your child's birth certificate is not actually their father.
This can happen by mistake or fraud; for example, if someone with whom you had sex during your fertile period was not your husband but claimed he was so that he could have access to benefits associated with being a parent. Another common reason for challenging paternity is if the man named on your child's birth certificate is dead or cannot be located (perhaps because he lives far away).
Another reason why people seek legal assistance from family lawyers when considering challenging paternity is when they want DNA testing done as part of their case.
It may be important evidence in court depending on what grounds are being asserted as reasons why paternity should not be legally established between two individuals who believe themselves not related biologically but wish nonetheless for some kind of relationship between them (such as through inheritance rights).
Custody and Support
You may also want to consider custody and support. Custody is the right to make decisions about your child's upbringing, while support is an obligation to pay money for meeting their needs.
You can ask for either or both of these things when you file a paternity case against another parent. If you're already receiving child support but want more visitation rights, then it's best that you consult with a family law attorney who can advise how best to proceed with this matter in court.
Legal Representation
A family lawyer can help you determine whether or not you have a case. If you do, they will also assist in preparing the paperwork necessary to file with the court and represent your interests during any hearings that take place. The process may be complicated and time-consuming, but it's worth it to ensure that your child receives the support they deserve.
Conclusion
If you are dealing with a paternity case and have questions or concerns, it's important to contact a Family Lawyer in Melbourne. They can help answer your questions and offer advice on what steps to take next.
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