Clarksville Paternity Lawyers

Helping Unite Families in Montgomery County, TN

In Tennessee, the husband is assumed the father when a married couple has a child. However, there are many unmarried couples who have children. In these cases, the biological father must establish “paternity” to be named the legal father of a child. Since paternity cases can be hotly contested, having an experienced family law attorney on your side can make a substantial difference.

If you are interested in establishing or contesting paternity in Montgomery County, let Jeff Grimes & Associates, PLLC provide effective and personalized legal solutions. With over 40 years of collective legal experience, our Clarksville paternity attorneys understand what it takes to get the outcome you desire in court.

Contact us today at (931) 398-5308 to learn more about our legal services.

Establishing Paternity in Tennessee

You can establish paternity in Tennessee either voluntary or involuntarily until the child turns 21.

If both parents agree that the father is the biological father, they must both sign a “Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity,” which is a form that can be obtained from the hospital where the child was born, the Office of Vital Records, the local health department, or the child support office. The form must be signed, notarized, and then sent to the Office of Vital Records.

Involuntary establishment of paternity is handled by the court, which is issue an “order of parentage.” The court process starts by one parent filing a “Petition to Establish Parentage” at the county court. If either parent is uncertain of paternity or denies it, the court may order a DNA test.

If the DNA test proves that the father is, in fact, the biological father, he will be issued an order of parentage and his name will be added to the child’s birth certificate. The court may also determine child support, child custody, and visitation in the same proceeding.

Establishing paternity has the following benefits:

• Allows the child to have a both parents in his/her life

• Helps the child understand family and medical history

• Gives the child access to health insurance and other benefits such as Social Security and inheritance

• Enables mothers to share parent responsibilities and childcare costs

• Mothers may seek child support on behalf of the child

• Gives fathers legal rights to their child, such as custody and visitation rights

• Helps fathers be a part of their child’s life

Schedule a Free Initial Consultation Today

Our firm helps both fathers and mothers establish paternity in Tennessee. We can assess your case, figure out all your legal options, and help you get the most favorable result in court. Let us protect your rights and best interests throughout the legal process.

Contact us today to discuss your case with our legal team.