Establishment of paternity can be necessary for a myriad of reasons. In Minnesota, there are two ways to establish the fatherhood of a child—establishing the biological or legal father can help strengthen the bond that exists between child and parent. Once paternity is established and the resolution process of associated issues has begun, involved parties often seek the certainty of a Recognition of Paternity (ROP).
There are, of course, many benefits to establishing paternity. In addition to the possibility of stronger psychological and emotional ties, paternity increases the likelihood of the child’s eligibility for insurance and public-assistance benefits, Social Security, and medical benefits. These kinds of benefits provide a solid foundation for children during their most formative years.
Importance of a Recognition of Paternity
The ROP can be important in securing the stability of that foundation. A common scenario in which an ROP can be helpful is when an unmarried woman gives birth to a child. Establishing the paternity of the father can result in the parents then signing an ROP, an official document that makes the child (or children) eligible for the benefits listed above. The parents who seek the official status of the ROP swear to their parenthood, and thus the process begins.
Not all paternity situations are quite as simple as that, however. If a woman is married to a man who is not the father of her baby, the ROP may have limitations. That is also true if the parents who swear paternity are not yet eighteen years of age. Minnesota paternity laws are, like paternity laws throughout the United States, complex. That is why it is essential to seek the assistance of qualified Minnesota paternity lawyers to help you make sense of the issues attendant to paternity.
Providing Legal Support For Complex Paternity Issues
When a relationship is more complicated or problematic, a qualified law firm, such as Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn can be essential to reaching a desired resolution of the paternity issues. If, for example, the suspected father denies paternity, legal assistance can be extremely helpful in facilitating such procedures as genetic testing to make a certified determination of paternity.
And once paternity is established, there may be issues such as child support that need to be addressed. An ideal resolution may be one in which mother and father acknowledge their responsibilities as they relate to their child. A qualified legal representative can be helpful in such situations. But when things are not quite so ideal, qualified legal assistance is of utmost importance. Call the team at Kallemeyn & Kallemeyn at 1-763-427-5131 for more information about ways we can help and support you during this difficult time.
