The Uniform Parentage Act was adopted into law by all 50 states in 1973. The Act introduced unified guidelines for establishing paternity for children of both married and unmarried couples, developing an easy way for courts to identify the legal parents of a child. Establishing legal parenthood is important for many court processes, including implementing… Read More »
Family Court in New York handles petitions to modify custody, visitation and child support orders established during divorce proceedings in the state Supreme Court. In addition, unmarried parents go to Family Court when seeking to establish support obligations and custody rights. Though you have the right to initiate and proceed through a case in Family… Read More »
If a married couple has a child together, the presumption will typically be that the husband is the father. However, when the couple is not married, it is necessary to establish the father’s paternity when the child is born to protect both parent’s parental rights, and the baby’s long-term support. Disputes involving child support and… Read More »
With marriage rates declining, there is an increase in children being born to unwed couples. There is no “apparent” stigma and society seems to have embraced this as a norm. Indeed, in the past a child born out of wedlock was called “illegitimate”. However, now our society recognizes that there is nothing illegitimate about any… Read More »
Under common law, any child born during a marriage is presumed to be the child of the husband. Whenever there is a question of paternity, however, the mother, father or child can ask the court to get involved. In this case, the state or a private party would bring a lawsuit, with the person identified… Read More »
Fatherhood comes with many rewards and pleasures. It also involves a lifetime of financial and personal responsibilities. Once you are named the father — either through an order or voluntary acknowledgement — you can be held liable for child support until the child turns 21 years old. You may be determined to care for your… Read More »