What is paternity law?

Paternity law is the legal term used to describe laws and regulations related to fatherhood. It outlines the rights and responsibilities that a father has in relation to his child or children. In West Virginia, paternity law covers a number of issues, including child support, parenting time, custody and visitation rights, and parental decision making. The most common type of paternity issue is establishing legal paternity. This process is typically initiated by a man when he wishes to establish that he is the legal father of a child born out of wedlock. To do this, a court must be petitioned for the man to receive rights and responsibilities as a legal father, such as the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, custody, and visitation. In West Virginia, either a mother or father can file a paternity action to establish legal paternity. Once paternity is established, the court may enter an order for child support, medical care, and other parental obligations. Paternity law also provides for the establishment of guardianship, if the court finds that it is in the best interests of the child. In short, paternity law in West Virginia is designed to protect the rights of both fathers and mothers in relation to their children, and to ensure that all parties involved in the case receive their legal rights and responsibilities.

Related FAQs

Does the law recognize the rights of grandparents in paternity cases?
How long does a paternity suit take to resolve?
Does a father have any legal rights if he was not married to the mother at the time of conception?
How is the father's name put on the child's birth certificate?
Can an ex-partner contest paternity after the child's birth?
Is a home paternity test legally valid?
Can I get a court-ordered paternity test if I only have circumstantial evidence?
What are the steps involved in establishing paternity?
Can a paternity test be done without the father's consent?
What is the difference between legal and presumed paternity?

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