Best Estate Planning Attorneys in Portsmouth, VA

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. As a father, having legal rights over your child is essential to your role as a parent. However, this can be challenging when there is a question about the child’s paternity. Fortunately, a paternity attorney can help you navigate this complex legal matter. In this blog, we will explain what paternity rights are, how they work, and how you can secure your rights as a father in Virginia. Blog Body: Under Virginia law, paternity refers to the legal identification of a child's biological father. When a child is born to a married couple, the law presumes that the husband is the father. If the parents are unmarried, however, establishing paternity can become difficult. The mother automatically has legal custody of the child unless the father takes legal action to establish his rights. This is where a paternity attorney can be invaluable. To establish paternity, a DNA test is typically performed. If the test confirms that the man is the biological father, he can legally establish his paternity. Once paternity is established, the father has the right to seek custody and visitation with the child. In addition, he has an obligation to financially support the child. A paternity attorney can help you establish paternity and navigate the legal system to ensure your rights are protected. If you are not sure if you are the biological father of a child, a paternity test can be ordered.