In recent years, the number of children born outside of marriage has increased dramatically. These children have the same need for parental care and support as children of married parents. A paternity claim is often the best way to establish those rights.
At the law firm of Mitchell A. Byrd, PLLC, we offer more than 20 years of experience handling paternity claims throughout central and eastern Tennessee. Our firm's Chattanooga paternity attorneys are committed to applying our years of family law experience and legal skills to help ensure the paternity process protects children's best interests. Contact our law firm today to meet with a highly skilled Chattanooga paternity lawyer.
Establishing Both Parents' Rights and Responsibilities
Under Tennessee law, when an unmarried woman gives birth to a child, whether or not the father's name appears on the birth certificate, he has no parental rights or responsibilities until either party pursues a paternity claim. Generally, these cases get filed for one of two reasons:
- Child support: If the father is not providing adequate financial support for the child or the mother is concerned about whether he will do so in the future, she may pursue a paternity action in order to put an enforceable child support order in place. The father would then obtain custody or visitation rights.
- Paternal rights: If the mother is not allowing the father to spend as much time with the child as he thinks he deserves, he may pursue a paternity action in order to establish his parental rights and get a parenting plan that will avoid most disputes.
Sometimes, these cases arise when unmarried couples who have been living together break up. In other cases, the parents have never lived together with their child. A similar process can also be used to establish the paternity of a child born as a result of an extramarital affair.
Schedule a Consultation With a Father's Rights Attorney in Hamilton County
To discuss how we can help you pursue your paternity case, contact our law firm online or call 877-838-0844 to schedule an in-person consultation or arrange a free preliminary telephone assessment.
