Paternity

Experienced Birmingham, Alabama Paternity Lawyers

Establishing paternity or excluding paternity is important for parents, as well as children. Once paternity is established, children are granted inheritance rights, as well as the Social Security benefits and veteran's benefits of the fathers. The mother can also request child support from the biological father once paternity has been legally established. At Gina H. McDonald & Associates, L.L.C., in Birmingham, Alabama, we are committed to protecting the rights of our clients by providing, proving, or excluding paternity.

If you have Questions about Child Support, Please
Contact Gina H. McDonald & Associates at (205) 982-3325

Paternity is often an issue for unwed fathers and mothers seeking to protect the future rights of their children and in divorce actions where there are allegations of adultery. While it is more common for mothers to take legal action to establish the paternal obligation of fathers, we have nevertheless represented a number of fathers seeking to establish their parental rights.

• Uncontested paternity claims - Unwed parents can establish paternity at the birthing hospital or anytime after leaving the hospital by signing an Affidavit of Paternity. It needs to be notarized and properly signed. Since this is a legal document establishing parental rights and responsibility, it is important to consult with an attorney in order to fully understand the obligations granted by signing the Affidavit of Paternity.
• Contested paternity - When paternity is contested or when parents refuse to comply with court ordered DNA paternity testing, it is imperative to seek legal representation. Paternity can be challenged even when the presumed father's name was placed on the birth certificate. In contested paternity cases the court has the power to compel presumptive parents to submit to DNA paternity testing. The results will determine whether a parent has a legal right to make a child custody or child support claim. Paternity can be challenged even when a child was born into a marriage.

Our firm represents fathers and mothers in paternity actions. We understand the significance that established paternity has upon the lives of children and families. We are committed to helping establish or exclude our clients in paternity actions.

Contact our Skilled Paternity Attorneys

If you are the parent or presumed parent of a child and have questions about paternity, please contact Gina H. McDonald & Associates, L.L.C. We can be reached by phone at (205) 982-3325, by e-mail, or by filling out the confidential in-take form on our Contact Us page.