Paternity Cases

Establishing paternity is a critical step in protecting the rights of both parents and children. Whether you are seeking to confirm parentage for custody, visitation, or child support, having the right legal guidance makes the process smoother and more effective. At Brooks Family Law, we help Arizona families navigate the legal complexities of paternity cases with compassion and skill.

Why Paternity Matters

Paternity is more than a legal term—it’s the foundation for important rights and responsibilities. Establishing paternity can determine whether a parent has legal rights to custody, visitation, and decision-making, as well as financial responsibilities like child support.

For mothers, proving paternity ensures that their child receives financial support from both parents. For fathers, establishing paternity can open the door to legal custody and parenting time. And for children, paternity provides access to benefits such as health insurance, inheritance rights, and a deeper sense of identity and family connection.

Ways to Establish Paternity in Arizona

In Arizona, paternity can be established in several ways:

  • Voluntary Acknowledgment – Both parents sign a legal form acknowledging paternity.

  • Presumption of Paternity – The law assumes a man is the father if certain conditions are met, such as being married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth.

  • Court Order – If there is a dispute, the court may order genetic testing and issue a ruling to establish paternity.

At Brooks Family Law, we guide clients through each of these processes, ensuring all legal requirements are met while protecting your interests.

How the Paternity Process Works

Protect your parental rights with experienced family law representation

Common Paternity Issues We Handle

Paternity cases often involve more than just confirming biological parentage. Our firm assists clients with a variety of related legal matters, including:

Child Custody and Parenting Time

Once paternity is established, custody arrangements and visitation schedules may be determined.

Child Support Orders

Legal fathers may be required to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing.

Parental Rights and Responsibilities

Establishing paternity ensures fathers can participate in decisions about education, healthcare, and upbringing.

Disputes Over Paternity

In contested cases, we represent clients in court to resolve disagreements through evidence and legal argument.

How the Paternity Process Works

The paternity process in Arizona can vary depending on the circumstances. In uncontested cases, parents may sign legal documents voluntarily. In contested cases, the process typically involves:

  • Filing a Petition – One party files a petition to establish paternity in family court.

  • Genetic Testing (if required) – DNA testing may be ordered to confirm biological parentage.

  • Court Hearings – Both parties present evidence and arguments, and the judge makes a ruling.

  • Issuing Orders – Once paternity is established, the court may also issue custody, visitation, or child support orders.

Our team at Brooks Family Law ensures clients understand every step of the process and receive strong legal representation in court when necessary.

Why Choose Brooks Family Law for Paternity Cases

Paternity cases can be highly emotional and legally complex. Choosing an attorney who understands both the personal and legal aspects of these cases is essential. At Brooks Family Law, we bring:

  • Extensive Knowledge of Arizona family law and paternity statutes.
  • Compassionate Guidance to support you during a sensitive time.
  • Strong Advocacy to protect your parental rights and your child’s best interests.
  • Personalized Strategies tailored to your family’s unique situation.

Take the Next Step Today

If you need to establish or challenge paternity in Arizona, Brooks Family Law is here to help. We are dedicated to protecting your interests, securing your child’s future, and providing the clarity you need to move forward.

📞 Contact us today at (602) 887-4080 to schedule a confidential consultation and learn more about your options in a paternity case.

Ready to discuss your case?

Contact Brooks Family Law today for a confidential consultation. Let us stand by your side and help you find the best path forward.

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