questions & answers

Question: I am 24 and had a baby with a girl. we have never been married. I pay her childsupport and I seen him regulary .4 times a week. My name is not on the birthcertificate. if i dont pay her she wont let me see my son what can i do I have a paternity test from a az doctor he is mine

Answer:

The Department of Economic Services (DES) and Office of Vital Records have a form called an Acknowledgment of Paternity. This form will establish that you voluntarily are claiming the child and the responsibilities that go with it. However, this form will not ensure visitation now called parenting time and legal decision making, in order to have those established you would need to take the matter to court. If the mother of the child is amicable you may be able to draw up your own reasonable terms and the court will grant them otherwise the court will make the decision. If you would like to file a suit forms are available at your county's superior court self-service center. If your county does not have their own forms many county's accept Maricopa County's forms.

Acknowledgement of Paternity form: http://www.azdhs.gov/documents/licensing/vital-records/register-acknowledgement-paternity.pdf

Maricopa County Superior Court website: https://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/Self-ServiceCenter/Forms/FamilyCourt/index.asp