Las Vegas Child Relocation Lawyer

Why Establishing Paternity Matters

Legal paternity is the foundation for a father’s ability to seek custody or visitation, and for a child’s right to financial support, health insurance coverage, inheritance, and other benefits tied to a legal parent-child relationship. Until paternity is established, an unmarried father generally has no enforceable custody rights, even if he is the child’s biological parent and has been actively involved in the child’s life.

How Paternity Is Established in Nevada

Nevada offers more than one path to establishing legal paternity, depending on the circumstances:

• Voluntary acknowledgment— both parents sign a formal acknowledgment of paternity, often at the hospital shortly after birth or later through the appropriate state agency
• Court action with genetic testing— when parentage is disputed or a parent won’t cooperate, either parent can file a court action, and the court can order genetic testing to resolve the question
• Presumption of paternity— in some circumstances, such as when a child is born during a marriage, paternity may be legally presumed and can be challenged or confirmed as needed

Establishing Paternity When the Other Parent Won’t Cooperate

It’s common for one parent to resist paternity testing, whether out of uncertainty, conflict, or other personal reasons. When voluntary cooperation isn’t an option, Cohen Fic & Squires can file a paternity action in court, which allows a judge to order genetic testing and make a formal legal determination of parentage.

What Happens After Paternity Is Established

Establishing legal paternity confirms parentage, but it doesn’t automatically set a custody schedule or support amount — those issues are typically addressed separately, either through an agreement between the parents or a subsequent court order. Once paternity is established, either parent can pursue custody, parenting time, or child support based on Nevada’s standard legal guidelines.

Contesting or Disestablishing Paternity

In certain circumstances — such as fraud, mistake, or newly discovered genetic evidence — a previously established paternity determination can be challenged. These cases involve specific legal standards and timing requirements, and Cohen Fic & Squires can evaluate whether your situation may qualify.

Why Choose Cohen Fic & Squires for Your Paternity Case

• Clear guidance on the fastest, most appropriate path to establishing legal parentage
• Experience with contested paternity actions and court-ordered genetic testing
• Coordinated approach linking paternity, custody, and child support into one strategy
• Sensitive handling of complex family dynamics and disputed parentage claims
• Representation for parents throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and Clark County

Frequently Asked Questions

How is paternity established in Nevada?

Paternity can be established voluntarily by both parents signing an acknowledgment of paternity, often at the hospital when the child is born, or through a court action that may involve genetic testing when parentage is disputed or one parent will not cooperate.

Why does establishing paternity matter?

Legal paternity is the foundation for a father’s custody and visitation rights and a child’s right to support, inheritance, and access to benefits like health insurance and Social Security. Without established paternity, an unmarried father generally has no enforceable custody rights.

Can I get a paternity test if the mother refuses?

Yes. If a mother will not cooperate with voluntary testing, a court action can be filed to establish paternity, and the court can order genetic testing as part of that process.

What rights does an unmarried father have before paternity is established?

Until paternity is legally established, an unmarried father generally has no enforceable right to custody or visitation, even if he is the biological parent. Establishing paternity is typically the necessary first step before those rights can be pursued.

Can paternity be challenged after it’s been established?

In certain circumstances, such as fraud, mistake, or newly discovered genetic evidence, a previously established paternity determination may be challenged, though there are time limits and legal standards that apply to these cases.

Does establishing paternity automatically set a custody schedule?

No. Establishing paternity confirms legal parentage, but custody and parenting time must typically be addressed separately, either by agreement between the parents or through a court order.

Will establishing paternity affect child support?

Yes. Once paternity is legally established, either parent can request a child support order, and the legal father becomes responsible for support in accordance with Nevada’s child support guidelines.