Paternity

Norman Paternity Lawyer

Protecting Father's Rights in Cleveland County & Surrounding Areas

Oklahoma paternity cases establish who a child’s legal father is. Either the mother or father can go to their local child support office and open a case to determine the parentage of a child. There is no cost associated with opening a case until a father has tested positive for parentage. If this happens, then the father is required to pay the state back for the cost of testing.

Under Oklahoma law, the mother is presumed to have sole custody of a child born outside of marriage. The mother and father can agree on visitation rights, and, if this is not possible, the father has the right to go to court to seek these rights.


Need a paternity lawyer in Norman, OK? Call Redhawk Law today at (405) 266-5072 or send us an email!


How Do You Establish Paternity in Oklahoma?

You can establish paternity in Oklahoma by signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity or opening a child support case. An Acknowledgement of Paternity is a legal document signed voluntarily by both parents that establishes paternity under Oklahoma law.

Why Would You Want to Establish Paternity?

Some of the reasons why you might want to establish paternity for your child include:

  • The child will understand their family, medical, and social history
  • The child will have access to health insurance coverage, Social Security benefits, and, if applicable, military benefits from each parent
  • The child can inherit property and assets from each parent
  • Emotional benefits and support from knowing both parents

What Rights Does a Father Have in Oklahoma?

In Oklahoma, a father only has rights if paternity has been established. The rights of a father with paternity might include:

  • Access to his children (custody and visitation)
  • Legal establishment of parental rights and responsibilities
  • Companionship and emotional rewards
  • The ability to give the child his last name
  • The opportunity to add the child to his insurance plan
  • The assurance that Social Security and additional benefits would be paid to the child in the event of death or disability

When Can Paternity Be Established?

Paternity can be established from the time the child is born until his/her 18th birthday by completing the Acknowledgement of Paternity form. After the child turns 18, the child’s consent is needed to add the father’s name to his/her birth certificate and the Adult Child’s Consent Acknowledgement must be completed as well. A child can also petition the court for paternity established at any time if the child does not have a presumed legal father.

Turn to Our Norman Paternity Lawyer to Guide You

There are many benefits to both parents and their child for establishing paternity. If you need assistance figuring out how the process works and what your rights are as a father, contact our paternity lawyer in Norman, OK today. Child custody and visitation as well as child support are important components of a paternity case and should also be handled by an experienced attorney.


Contact us online or call us at (405) 266-5072 to book a consultation to discuss your paternity case. 


 

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