Child Support Laws: Acknowledgment of Paternity
The federal government legally entitles every child to financial support from both parents. Though every state has a different process, to request a child-support order, paternity must be acknowledged in one of several ways.
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Married Parents
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If a child's parents were married at the time of birth, the husband is legally considered to be the father.
Nonmarried Parents
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If a child's parents were unmarried at the time of birth, paternity must be acknowledged by the father.
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Acknowledgement
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Paternity can be acknowledged voluntarily in a written statement. In cases of doubt or dispute, genetic testing might be required.
Default Paternity
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In some states, failure of an alleged father to submit to genetic testing or appear at a court hearing can prompt the court to establish his paternity by default.
Support Order
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Once paternity is established, a child-support order can be executed. Support is based proportionally on salary and assets.
Enforcement
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Federal law allows states to enforce child-support orders. Failure to pay can lead to serious consequences, including a revoking of occupational and driver's licenses, denial of a passport, and criminal charges.
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