Owensboro Paternity Lawyers

Helping You Establish Paternity in Kentucky

When a child is born to a married couple, the law automatically assumes that the husband is the father. However, when a child is born to an unmarried couple, the father is not automatically recognized as the legal parent. In order to establish paternity, the father must take legal action to do so.

At Bamberger & Brancato, PSC, we understand that establishing paternity can be a complex and emotional process. Our Owensboro paternity attorneys are here to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights as a parent. We have more than 40 years of experience and have helped thousands of clients with their family law matters. We are prepared to put our extensive experience to work for you.

Call (270) 926-5050 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.

How to Establish Paternity in Kentucky

Establishing paternity is important for both the mother and the father. For the mother, it means that she can seek child support from the father. For the father, it means that he can seek custody or visitation rights with the child. Additionally, establishing paternity is important for the child, as it allows him or her to have a relationship with both parents.

In Kentucky, there are several ways to establish paternity, including:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity: If both parents agree that the man is the father, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This form is available at the hospital when the child is born or at the local health department. Once the form is signed, the father’s name will be added to the birth certificate and he will be considered the legal father.
• Administrative Order of Paternity: If the mother is receiving public assistance, the Cabinet for Health and Family Services can help establish paternity. The Cabinet will send a letter to the alleged father, who will have 20 days to respond. If the father does not respond, the Cabinet can establish paternity without his input.
• Genetic Testing: If the mother or the alleged father is not sure if he is the biological father, either party can request genetic testing. If the test shows that the man is the father, paternity will be established. If the test shows that the man is not the father, paternity will not be established and the mother can request genetic testing from another man.
• Legal Action: If the mother and the alleged father cannot agree on paternity, either party can file a paternity action with the court. The court will then decide if the man is the father. If the court decides that the man is the father, paternity will be established.

Once paternity is established, the father will have the same rights and responsibilities as the mother. This means that he can seek custody or visitation rights with the child and that he will be required to pay child support.

How Our Owensboro Paternity Attorneys Can Help

At Bamberger & Brancato, PSC, we understand that establishing paternity can be a complex and emotional process. Our Owensboro paternity lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal system and protect your rights as a parent. We have been representing Owensboro for over 40 years and have helped thousands of clients with their family law matters. We are prepared to put our extensive experience to work for you.

Call (270) 926-5050 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our team.