When unmarried couples have a child, Tennessee courts presume the father has no biological relation to the newborn. Unmarried parents do have the same rights as legally married couples. The major difference is, paternity needs establishing before a parent can fight...
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Father’s Rights
What does signing a paternity form mean for fathers?
If a father wants to accept responsibility for his child, he should sign an AOP or acknowledgement of paternity form, once the child is born. This form guarantees that the father has certain parental rights. However, there are some rights that are not guaranteed by...
What is paternity fraud and how can it impact child support?
Parents have certain rights in Tennessee and around the country. However, when a man finds out that the child he believed to be his and who he’s raised since birth is not biologically his, it can turn his world upside down. Unfortunately, paternity fraud happens and...
What you should know as an unwed father
If you are an unwed father, you will want to know your rights and obligations, particularly if you are not living with your child’s mother or plan to separate. You might need to establish paternity, petition for custody or visitation and be aware of how child support...
What parental rights do unmarried fathers have?
It's rare for a marriage to stand the test of time. With that in mind, you could find yourself as an unwed parent in Tennessee who ever tied the knot with the child's birth mother. If this is the case, it's important to learn the rights of an unwed father. Paternity...
Can a father get custody of his children?
Once you and your wife have become estranged, you need to decide who will stay with your children. If the two of you do not come to an agreement, a child custody dispute will arise, and you may be required to go to a Tennessee court to resolve it. As a father, you may...
How do you prove you are the father of your children?
Establishing your paternity is the basis for your legal relationship with your children. If you are married, this happens more or less automatically. However, you might need to take additional steps. Remember: This is not about being a dad. It is about getting the...
The future your family deserves
Divorce is a time when you part ways. The status quo is no longer acceptable. However, it is not truly an end in most cases — your family continues on after divorce. You deserve the best possible continuation, and so do your children. Children need fathers You know...
How accurate is DNA testing?
To secure rights to your child, you may need to undergo genetic testing. The court uses this DNA test as proof of your genetic connection to the child. You may wonder, though, if these tests are accurate or if there is a potential for a false positive or negative. ...
Why is it important to establish paternity?
When a Tennessee couple has a child, the mother is undeniable. But what about the father? To establish paternity, a father must go through processes a mother does not need to. Today, we will look at the importance of going through these steps. We will see why...