Paternity

Understanding Paternity

The Importance of Legally Establishing Fatherhood

• Defining Paternity: Paternity is the legal establishment of a father's rights and responsibilities towards his child.

• Benefits of Establishing Paternity: Legally establishing paternity provides numerous benefits, including securing the child's right to financial support, inheritance, and access to the father's medical history, and granting the father legal rights to custody and visitation.

• Presumed Paternity: In Oklahoma, paternity is presumed if the parents are married at the time of the child's birth or if the father's name is on the child's birth certificate.

Paternity Actions

Securing Rights for Unmarried Fathers

• Filing a Paternity Action: If a child's parents are unmarried at the time of birth, the father may initiate a paternity action in Oklahoma to establish his legal rights and responsibilities.

• DNA Testing: In some cases, the court may order DNA testing to confirm the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child.

• Finalizing Paternity: Once paternity is confirmed, the court will issue a paternity order, establishing the father's rights and responsibilities towards the child, including custody, visitation, and child support.

Challenging Paternity

Addressing Cases of Mistaken or Fraudulent Paternity

• Reasons for Challenging Paternity: If a man believes he is not the biological father of a child, or if there is reason to suspect paternity fraud, he may seek to challenge paternity in Oklahoma.

• Rescission of Paternity Acknowledgment: If the presumed father signed a paternity acknowledgment but later wishes to challenge paternity, he must file a rescission within 60 days of signing the acknowledgment or before a court order related to the child is issued, whichever comes first.

• Disestablishing Paternity: If the court determines that the presumed father is not the biological father, it may issue an order to disestablish paternity, releasing him from any legal rights and responsibilities towards the child.

Legal Assistance in Paternity Matters

Guiding You Through the Complexities of Paternity Law

• Hiring an Attorney: Whether you are seeking to establish paternity or challenge an existing paternity claim, it is crucial to have an experienced attorney by your side to navigate the complex legal process and protect your rights.

• Advocating for Your Rights: The skilled attorneys at Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. will guide you through every step of the paternity process, ensuring your rights and the best interests of your child are prioritized.

Let Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. Help You Establish or Challenge Paternity

Navigating paternity matters can be a challenging and emotional process. The knowledgeable attorneys at Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. are here to help you establish or challenge paternity, securing your rights and providing a solid foundation for your family's future.

Reach out to Elton Jenkins Law, P.L.L.C. today for a consultation at (405) 217-3623 or through our online contact form. Trust our experienced team to guide you through the complexities of paternity law in Oklahoma.