What Happens When Two Men Claim to Be the Father of the Same Child in Atlanta?

There are few situations more challenging than unclear paternity. If two men claim to be the father of the same child, this unanswered question should be resolved as soon as possible. After paternity becomes clear, the entire family can move on with their lives. Establishing paternity can improve the mental health of the child while reducing potential conflicts. But how exactly should you approach this situation? Can a paternity lawyer in Atlanta help?

The Mother Can Ask Both Men to Submit to a Paternity Test

If both men claim to be the father of a child, the child’s mother can petition the court for a paternity test. This test might involve both potential fathers, and the court will likely grant this request if the family genuinely needs to determine the truth. One might argue that it is in the child’s best interests to figure out who their real father is, and the child’s best interests represent the basis for most family court decisions.

Go Through the Division of Child Support Services

Another option is to go through the Division of Child Support Services. You can contact one of their agents to organize a paternity test, and this should provide you with all the information you need to determine whether you are biologically related to the child.

The Division of Child Support Services organizes these tests to ensure that children receive the financial support they need. As a sidenote, you should be aware that once your paternity is established, you may need to pay child support. However, this cost is minimal compared to the legal rights you’ll gain as the true father. You also gain guaranteed visitation rights once your paternity is established.

Consider Independent Testing

If you do not have an open case with the Division of Child Support Services, you can approach a private lab or clinic for independent testing. This process should help you determine your own genetic markers, and you can compare these with those of the child to determine whether you are related. Of course, gaining access to the child’s DNA might be challenging without permission from the family.

Even if You’re Not Related, You Could Still Be Part of the Child’s Life

It’s worth noting that even if you are not biologically related to the child, you might still have the right to play a role in their life. If you are married to the child’s biological mother, you could potentially adopt the child and become their legal father. You could decide to play a central role in the child’s life, even if someone else is the biological father.

In Georgia, if you were married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth, you are legally assumed to be the biological father. If someone disputes this fact, they must prove it.

A Paternity Lawyer in Atlanta May Be Able to Help

When two men claim to be the father of the same child, a neutral third party like a family law attorney in Atlanta may be able to help. When determining the true father of the child, it is important to follow the proper legal steps. This formulaic approach can reduce potential conflicts while helping families move on with their lives. Consider discussing the potential next steps with Buckhead Family Law today.

Source:

 childsupport.georgia.gov/document/document/paternity-establishment-faq/download