A paternity action takes place when a child is born to parents who are not married and there is doubt who the father is. Are you trying to determine if you are the father to a recently born child?
When a child is born to unmarried parents, in most cases, the father has no rights – even if his name is on the birth certificate. The mother is made guardian of the child. The possible father must go through the court system in order to obtain any rights, such as custody or visitation. He should probably submit to a DNA paternity test, which must be requested and ordered by the court. However, if there is no doubt that the man is, indeed the father, no test is necessary.
If you have any questions regarding paternity to a recently born child, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who can help you determine the best course of action, and then follow it to the right outcome.
