What is Dispute Resolution?
When a dispute arises, neither party wants to wait months in advance — nor spend thousands of dollars — to reach a verdict. Enter dispute resolution. Dispute resolution is a method to help people avoid the time and hassle of the legal system, as well as resolve...
What happens if the father refuses to acknowledge paternity?
The first step is to ensure legal paternity has been established. The child’s mother can initiate a paternity action against the alleged father to set legal paternity. If the alleged father refuses to acknowledge paternity, the courts will often request for him to...
What are my rights when a paternity action is filed against me?
If a paternity action is filed against you, you should respond. If you don’t, a court can reach a final order without you, leaving you unable to present your side. Papers When you’re served, read the papers (or complaints) carefully, so you understand what the other...
How can I file a paternity action?
The specific process of filing a paternity action can vary per state. However, in most states, the mother or alleged father can file a paternity action to start the legal process. Legal process The case will typically start with the filing party completing paperwork...
What are the different ways to establish paternity?
There are multiple ways to establish paternity that fit different situations. In most states, paternity is determined by: Paternity by assumption The husband is presumed to be the legal father if the mother is married. However, a married man may legally challenge...
What is a paternity action?
A paternity action is a legal process to establish who is legally the father, especially when parents aren’t married or if there is a conflict. This civil action can be started by the mother to gain child support from the alleged father or filed by the biological...
Can a foster parent fight for custody?
A foster parent may seek custody of a child in their care, but it is important to understand that the goal of the foster care system is to reunify children with their birth families whenever possible. With a goal in mind to safely place a child back with their birth...
Are foster care records public?
Child protective services (CPS) and foster care records are generally confidential and are not made public. Such records can include child identification information, information regarding the child’s biological family, condition reports on the child’s original...