Fayetteville, North Carolina: Services for DNA Paternity Testing

 Understanding Paternity Law in Fayetteville, NC In Fayetteville, NC, for a father who is not married to the child's mother to gain legal paternal rights, it's essential to legally establish paternity. This process is crucial for both parents, enabling the father's name to be added to the child's birth certificate. It's equally significant for the child, who gains the right to support from both parents.

For parents in North Carolina, establishing paternity involves completing a Voluntary Affidavit of Parentage. This document is an agreement acknowledging the child’s biological father, thus legally recognizing the presumed father as the actual father. However, if there's doubt about who the father is, DNA paternity testing is required to clarify this.

The Challenges of Paternity Establishment in Fayetteville, NC To successfully establish paternity through a Voluntary Affidavit of Parentage, it's necessary for both parents to agree to sign the document. If one parent is unwilling, the other must petition the Cumberland County Family Court for paternity establishment. This court action is vital to legally identify the child’s father in North Carolina.

Subsequently, a Cumberland County judge may order the uncooperative parent to engage in the paternity establishment process, which typically involves DNA paternity testing to confirm the child’s biological father. Once paternity is established and the presumed father is confirmed as the biological father, he gains legal paternal rights.

Insights from Fayetteville, NC Specialists In Fayetteville, NC, it's a common belief among biological fathers in custody battles that the courts might favor the mother. However, as Fayetteville Family Law Attorney Victoria Harden points out, fathers have the same rights to custody and visitation as mothers do. The courts do not automatically favor mothers as primary caregivers.

During custody hearings, the court examines factors like living conditions, income, and criminal records of both parents to formulate a custody arrangement that serves the child's best interests. Additionally, if deemed the most suitable parent, a father can also apply for child support services.