What is what to do when a father denies his child?

When a father denies a child, the situation can be emotionally and legally complex. Here's a breakdown of considerations:

• Establishing Paternity: The first and most crucial step is to legally establish paternity. This can be done through a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity or through a court-ordered DNA test. A positive DNA test provides definitive proof of biological fatherhood.

• Legal Rights and Responsibilities: Once paternity is established, the father has legal rights and responsibilities. These typically include:

  • Child Support: The father is obligated to financially support the child.
  • Custody and Visitation: The father may have the right to seek custody or visitation rights.

• Challenging Paternity: If the father believes he is not the biological father after initially acknowledging paternity, he may have grounds to challenge it. However, this is a complex legal process with specific time limits and requirements, varying by jurisdiction. Seek legal advice immediately.

• Emotional Impact on the Child: A father's denial can have a significant emotional impact on the child. Addressing this may require Therapy and counseling for the child.

• Legal Action: If the father refuses to acknowledge the child or provide support, the mother (or legal guardian) can pursue legal action to establish paternity and obtain a child support order. This typically involves filing a petition with the family court.

• Seeking Legal Advice: Navigating these situations requires expert guidance. It is strongly recommended that the mother and the alleged father each consult with a qualified Family Law Attorney to understand their rights and options.