Best Adoption Lawyers in Virginia Beach, VA

Establishing paternity is a crucial step for many parents in Virginia. Whether you're a mother seeking child support or a father wanting to assert your parental rights, understanding the legal process is essential. At Cheryl Eddy Benn, P.C., we understand the challenges and complexities involved in paternity cases and are here to guide you through every step. Why Paternity Matters Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity is vital for several reasons: Child Support: It allows the custodial parent to seek financial support from the non-custodial parent. Custody and Visitation: It grants the father rights to custody and visitation, fostering a relationship with the child. Medical History: It provides the child access to the father's medical history, which can be crucial for health care. Inheritance Rights: It ensures the child’s right to inherit from the father. The Legal Process of Establishing Paternity In Virginia, paternity can be established in several ways: Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form, which is filed with the Virginia Department of Health. Administrative Order: If paternity is contested, the Virginia Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) can order genetic testing. Court Order: Either parent can file a petition in court to establish paternity. The court may order genetic testing and, based on the results, issue an order of paternity.