What legal rights does the mother have in a paternity case?

In the state of Washington, a mother has a variety of legal rights when it comes to paternity cases. Generally, a mother has the right to petition the court for a paternity determination in order to establish the legal father of the child. Along with this, the mother has the right to sue the presumed father for child support or custody of the child. The mother also has the right to obtain assistance from the state to establish paternity. This includes free genetic testing, assistance with establishing paternity and medical support, and assistance in enforcing any court orders. In addition, a mother can pursue a father to recognize their parentage of the child if they are found legally responsible for the child’s support. This can be done through a voluntary agreement or a court order. Finally, the mother has the right to be involved in the legal process. This includes the right to testify in court, the right to present evidence, and the right to be present when the judge makes a decision in the case. Overall, a mother in the state of Washington has many legal rights when it comes to paternity cases. These rights allow a mother to ensure that the father is legally responsible for the child and are vital to ensure that the child receives the financial and emotional support they need.

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What legal rights does the mother have in a paternity case?

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