At Nirenstein Garnice Soderquist PLC we firmly believe that every person who brings a child into the world should accept his or her share of the financial, legal and emotional responsibilities of that child's care. In every paternity case our primary focus is the immediate and long-term well-being of the child.
Legal Establishment of Arizona Paternity
When the parents are not married, it is important that paternity be legally established. Paternity may be determined by diverse legal means both in or out of court and is critical to the child's wellbeing for many reasons, including:
- Identity - Children have the right to know their mother and father.
- Legal Custody and Parenting Time - Both parents should know who has the right to make major decisions regarding the child and when each parent will be spending time with the child.
- Financial Support - The father may be required to pay child support if paternity has been legally established.
- Medical - It may be possible to obtain health insurance coverage for the child through the father's employer.
- Survivor's Benefits - If the father is disabled or dies, his child could qualify for a number of benefits: Social Security, inheritance, veteran's benefits and life insurance.
Either parent may initiate a paternity action anytime before the child reaches the age of 18. Paternity can be established even if the father lives in another state.
Contact Us:
For more information about our services, we invite you to contact us or call the firm at (480) 556-5800.