Our attorneys can help you file an action and get a paternity test quickly so you can begin receiving child support for your child.
In situations where a mother and a father of a child never married, to obtain child support from the alleged father, the mother may file a paternity action.
If the alleged father does not acknowledge that he is the child’s biological father, then the court may order DNA testing. On a finding that the alleged father is the father of the child, the court will issue an order designating him as the father of the child.
In most paternity actions, the sole effect of the order will be to establish paternity and the duty of the father to support the child. The court may provide in the paternity order, the Vital Records Office shall establish a new birth certificate for the child, showing the father's name and information. If the alleged father wants the court to address custody or visitation issues, those issues may be addressed in the action if he has filed a claim or counterclaim for legitimation.