Experienced Columbus Paternity Lawyers

Understanding how paternity works in Ohio is important for protecting the rights of both the parents and the child. In Ohio, if the parents are unmarried at the child’s birth, the mother automatically has sole custody until paternity is legally established. Signing an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit is a good start, but it does not automatically give the father custody rights.

Establishing paternity is important not only for the father to gain custody rights but also for the child by ensuring access to family medical history, securing financial support and fostering a relationship with the dad. In Ohio, either the mother or the father can initiate paternity court proceedings.

Whether you are seeking to prove paternity or defend yourself in a paternity action, we are here to help.

If you want to establish paternity legally or deny it, contact Baker & Wick LLC for an initial consultation with a lawyer. Call 614-697-2627 or fill out our contact form. Our firm is located in Columbus, Ohio, and we represent clients throughout central Ohio.

How Do You Establish Paternity In Ohio?

There are several ways to establish paternity in Ohio:

• Voluntary acknowledgment: The father can acknowledge paternity by signing an affidavit witnessed by two people. However, this does not fully protect a father’s rights to custody and parenting time.
• Administrative orders: These can be issued based on genetic testing. However, they do not automatically create custody rights.
• Court proceedings: Establishing paternity in court does create custody and parenting rights.

A genetic paternity test is generally the best way to establish a conclusive biological relationship. However, if you want child custody rights, you need to go to court. In a paternity action, a DNA test that names the father by 99% or more is usually sufficient evidence to establish a father’s custody rights.

What Rights Do Fathers Have Once They Establish Paternity In Court?

In Ohio, simply signing an acknowledgment of paternity affidavit or getting an administrative order of paternity does not grant automatic custody rights to an unmarried father. The father must petition the court to seek custody and parenting time. In most cases, this leads to shared legal and physical custody:

• Legal custody refers to the authority to make major decisions about the child’s life.
• Physical custody is the right to have the child in your care. Generally, there is a parent with primary physical custody and a parent who receives parenting time (formerly known as visitation).

Shared custody arrangements typically allow both parents substantial involvement in their child’s upbringing.

What Steps Should You Take If You Want To Challenge Paternity?

If you need to dispute a paternity claim against you:

• It is advisable to seek legal counsel immediately.
• Undergoing a genetic paternity test will likely be necessary to refute these claims effectively.

Challenging paternity often requires meticulous planning and a careful legal strategy. We are here to protect your rights throughout the process.

Reach Out For A Consultation With An Ohio Paternity Attorney

At Baker & Wick LLC, we provide experienced family law counsel aimed at delivering solutions that help families move forward. We understand the sensitivity surrounding issues like paternity. Don’t face this challenge alone. Let us help you find answers, options and resolutions.

Contact us today at 614-697-2627 or via our online form for a personalized consultation on how we can assist you with your family law needs.