What to Know about Chattanooga Paternity Cases

If you are looking to prove paternity for child custody or other parental rights, it is important to approach this type of case with an understanding of the legal implications. A knowledgeable attorney can help protect your parental rights and offer crucial guidance throughout your case. To increase your chances of a successful outcome, let a lawyer at our firm advise you on what to know about Chattanooga paternity cases.

What Rights are Given to Fathers after Paternity is Established?

Once paternity is established, the father is granted what attorneys often call the parental bill of rights. This is part of Tennessee Code 36-6-101 and includes the rights to receive medical and educational records for the child, be informed of medical issues by the other parent, and be informed if the child will be traveling out of state or abroad

The father may also be granted the right to help make major decisions for the child regarding medical treatment, education, extracurricular activities, and religious upbringing.

Protecting Father Rights in a Chattanooga Paternity Case

A father can ensure that his parental rights are protected during a child custody or support case by establishing paternity through the necessary testing or by presenting the child’s birth certificate with the father’s name on it. Once paternity is established, the father’s attorney must advocate for them and prove to the court that the father’s visitation or custody is in the child’s best interests.

A local lawyer can advise a father on what factors may be considered in his paternity case. Pursuant to Tennessee Code 36-6-106, the court must consider multiple issues in child custody and support cases, including:

• Which parent has played a larger role in raising the child
• Whether or not one parent has alienated the other
• Whether any other individuals living with that parent are of good moral character
• The importance of stability in the child’s life
• Continued relationships with step-siblings, half-siblings, or full siblings

Importance of an Attorney in Paternity Proceedings

Fathers should know that the longer it takes for them to establish their paternity in a child custody case, the more difficult it can be to convince the court that a relationship with their child is a high priority in the child’s best interests. A parent should consider contacting a Chattanooga paternity lawyer if there is any issue in their efforts to obtain custody of or visitation with the child.

An attorney can draft and file a petition to confirm the individual’s paternity. Once paternity is established, their attorney can proceed with a custody or visitation case and gather all the documentation and arguments to present to the court. By discussing important information about paternity cases with a Chattanooga attorney, a father can ensure that they are in the best possible position to maximize their time with their child.

Learn More about Paternity Cases by Speaking with a Chattanooga Lawyer

A skilled lawyer can help you quickly establish paternity to avoid any delays in your child custody case. Understanding what to know in Chattanooga paternity cases is crucial in effectively protecting your rights and your relationship with your child. Reach out to an attorney who can aggressively advocate for your role in your child’s life. Call today to set up an initial consultation.