Paternity

Paternity is the legal word for fatherhood. If there is a dispute about the paternity of a child, the Family Court can be asked to resolve it. A child’s mother may ask the Court to make a paternity order against a man who denies he is the child’s father. A man may also ask the Court to declare that he is a child’s father, or, if he believes there has been a mistake, to declare that he is not. In certain cases, other people can ask the Court to decide a question of paternity.

When considering a dispute about paternity, the Court can recommend that tests be done to help it make a decision. These tests are called parentage tests, and might involve blood samples or mouth scrapings from both the child and the man.

The man can refuse to have the tests, but the Court can take his refusal into account when considering all the evidence.

We have represented the mother and the man in Paternity cases. As we specialise in family law, we can also advise you on your rights once paternity has been determined. For example, negotiating parenting agreements or child support payments. Please call us if you require advice or representation.