Paternity Attorney in Phoenix, AZ

When a child is born to unmarried parents, establishing paternity is a crucial step in securing legal rights and responsibilities for the father. Paternity, or the legal recognition of fatherhood, grants fathers the opportunity to play an active role in their child's life and ensures the child has access to the benefits of having both parents involved. 

At Cervone Law P.C., our attorney understands the importance of establishing paternity for both fathers and children. With over 20 years of combine experience in the legal field, we provide knowledgeable and compassionate representation to client's in Phoenix navigating paternity matters. We are committed to protecting fathers' rights and helping families establish a strong legal foundation for their children's future. 

There are several ways to establish paternity in Arizona: 

• Voluntary acknowledgement of paternity: Both parents can sign a legal document acknowledging the father's paternity. this is often done at the hospital after the child's birth. 
• Court order: A court can order genetic testing to determine the biological father if there is a paternity dispute. once paternity is confirmed, the court will issue an order establishing paternity. 
• Marriage: if the parents marry after the child's birth, the husband is automatically presumed to be the legal father. 

A mother can legally refuse to put the father's name on the birth certificate if they are not married at the time of the child's birth. This decision is typically up to the mother, as unmarried fathers are not automatically recognized as legal parents until paternity is established.