The Importance Of Paternity Actions

When a married couple has a child, the husband is presumed to be the father for all purposes, including parental responsibilities, benefit plans and inheritance. When an unmarried couple has a child, the law does not make those same presumptions. The identity of the father must be established through a paternity action. If you are seeking to establish paternity in Kansas, our team at the Haynes Law Firm LLC in Overland Park can provide you with the skilled guidance you need.

Understanding Your Rights As A Parent

Our lawyers have more than 40 combined years of legal experience serving the needs of clients in Johnson County and throughout the surrounding areas. We understand the stress that unsolved paternity can put on a family. Paternity actions are important for everyone involved. First and foremost, paternity is important for establishing the father’s rights and responsibilities, as well as identifying the risk of genetic diseases, establishing eligibility for inheritance and certain government benefits.

A father’s parental rights simply don’t exist unless the father-child relationship is established legally. Once paternity is established, fathers can legally pursue custody and parenting time. Furthermore, a paternity action is critical for the purposes of obtaining child support and other assistance. Without establishing the father’s legal identity, the courts have no power to create or enforce child support or visitation orders.

Contact A Knowledgeable Lawyer For Paternity Law Guidance

There are a number of ways to establish paternity, including DNA testing and acknowledgment. If you are seeking experienced guidance for a paternity matter in Kansas, we can guide you through all the legal details. Get in touch with our law office today by calling 913-717-5319 or by contacting us online.