What is the process for establishing paternity?

In Pennsylvania, establishing paternity is a process through which the legal father of a child is identified. The process begins when the mother, father of the child, or another party to the case (such as a grandparent) submits a Petition for Paternity to the court. The Petition contains information about all parties involved in the case, and the court uses this information to determine whether or not the father is responsible for providing child support. After the Petition is filed, the court can order a genetic test to determine the biological father of the child. This test is voluntary and can be requested by either the mother, the alleged father, or any other relevant parties. The results of the genetic test are then reviewed by the court. If the test confirms the alleged father, then the court will issue a court order declaring the father to be the legal parent of the child. Once paternity is established, the court can order the father to pay child support and make other decisions regarding the child’s care. If the father fails to comply with the court order, the court can take legal action against him in order to enforce compliance. The court also has the authority to modify existing child support orders if either parent experiences a significant change in circumstances.

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What is the process for establishing paternity?

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