Determining Paternity

Not everyone realizes that the law varies from state to state. One of the ways in which is varies is how it treats certain branches of the law. Family law in Cedar Rapids IA is one of these branches, and the way in which it deals with paternity, may vary from how paternity is treated in a city in a different state. Paternity falls under the jurisdiction of family law for several reasons.

Because it is usually up to the biological parent to pay child support, paternity is an important part of family law. In cases of children born outside of marriage paternity must sometimes be confirmed before child support can be awarded. Not being married to the other parent of the child does not excuse one from paying child support, so a father must be confirmed. Typically the truth of paternity is already known by the parents, but sometimes paternity is contested. In these cases child support may be awarded based on paternity by a court of family law.

Although within a marriage paternity is assumed to be the spouse of the mother, this is not always the case. Infidelity is a fact of life and a pitfall that many relationships face. It is not entirely unheard of that a child born to a married couple may have a father outside of the marriage. Further, a child with a different father may result from a previous relationship or separation. Both spouses have the right to raise the issue of paternity. However, paternity does not always excuse men from rights and responsibilities involving the children.

An attorney well versed in family law is a useful resource during paternity cases because he or she can fight for the rights of those involved. Even if a paternity test is requested not all parties may be willing to participate. If it is suspected that a child may not be the biological offspring of the husband, an attorney versed in family law can help one access a paternity test and a court order requiring the involved parties to cooperate.

Family law in Cedar Rapids IA is designed to protect children and families. The laws regarding paternity and how it relates to rights and responsibilities may vary from the law in other states, but the goal is the same: ensure that all parties are treated fairly in a paternity case. Although the results of a paternity test do not always directly determine the need for child support, they can be essential in family law cases involving child support and divorce.