Norman Paternity Lawyer
Advocating For Father's Rights in Cleveland County & Surrounding Areas
Oklahoma paternity cases establish who a child’s legal father is. Either the mother or father can go to their local child support office and open a case to determine the parentage of a child. There is no cost associated with opening a case until a father has tested positive for parentage. If this happens, then the father is required to pay the state back for the cost of testing.
Under Oklahoma law, the mother is presumed to have sole custody of a child born outside of marriage. The mother and father can agree on visitation rights, and, if this is not possible, the father has the right to go to court to seek these rights.
Need a paternity lawyer in Norman, OK? Call Redhawk Law today at (405) 266-5072 or send us an email!
How Do You Establish Paternity in Oklahoma?
You can establish paternity in Oklahoma by signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity or opening a child support case. An Acknowledgement of Paternity is a legal document signed voluntarily by both parents that establishes paternity under Oklahoma law.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Some of the reasons why you might want to establish paternity for your child include:
- The child will understand their family, medical, and social history
- The child will have access to health insurance coverage, Social Security benefits, and, if applicable, military benefits from each parent
- The child can inherit property and assets from each parent
- Emotional benefits and support from knowing both parents
What Rights Does a Father Have in Oklahoma?
In Oklahoma, a father only has rights if paternity has been established. The rights of a father with paternity might include:
- Access to his children (custody and visitation)
- Legal establishment of parental rights and responsibilities
- Companionship and emotional rewards
- The ability to give the child his last name
- The opportunity to add the child to his insurance plan
- The assurance that Social Security and additional benefits would be paid to the child in the event of death or disability
When Can Paternity Be Established?
Paternity can be established from the time the child is born until his/her 18th birthday by completing the Acknowledgement of Paternity form. After the child turns 18, the child’s consent is needed to add the father’s name to his/her birth certificate and the Adult Child’s Consent Acknowledgement must be completed as well. A child can also petition the court for paternity established at any time if the child does not have a presumed legal father.
Understanding the Importance of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is an important legal step that can have a significant impact on the lives of both the child and the father. By establishing paternity, a father can gain legal rights and responsibilities, including the right to visitation and custody, as well as the obligation to provide financial support.
Some reasons why establishing paternity is important include:
- Ensuring the child's access to benefits such as inheritance, social security, and medical insurance
- Providing the child with a sense of identity and connection to their family lineage
- Allowing the father to build a meaningful relationship with their child
- Protecting the child's legal rights and ensuring their emotional and financial support
Our Norman paternity lawyer can help you navigate the legal process of establishing paternity and ensure that your rights as a father are protected. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your family law matters.
Navigating Paternity Rights and Resources in Norman, OK
Establishing paternity in Norman, Oklahoma, is a pivotal step for fathers who want to secure their rights and build meaningful relationships with their children. However, the process can feel daunting. Resources like the Norman Child Support Office provide crucial support for fathers seeking to establish paternity, yet many are unsure about the steps involved or the benefits they can access. Without legal paternity, fathers may face significant obstacles in obtaining custody, visitation, or even contributing to their child’s well-being.
For many fathers, the emotional bond with their children is as important as their legal rights. However, presumptions about sole custody for mothers can leave fathers feeling sidelined. Establishing paternity protects a father’s ability to play an active role in decisions about his child’s upbringing while also ensuring access to critical benefits like health insurance, financial support, and inheritance rights.
When disputes over custody or visitation arise, local institutions such as the Cleveland County District Court can be instrumental in resolving them. Yet navigating the legal system can be overwhelming without proper guidance.
That’s where informed support can make all the difference. Whether you’re beginning the process or facing barriers, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Contact Our Norman Paternity Lawyer Today
There are many benefits to both parents and their child for establishing paternity. If you need assistance figuring out how the process works and what your rights are as a father, contact our paternity lawyer in Norman, OK today. Child custody and visitation as well as child support are important components of a paternity case and should also be handled by an experienced attorney.
Contact us online or call a paternity lawyer nea at (405) 266-5072 to book a consultation to discuss your paternity case.
