Frequently Asked Questions
Paternity Matters

1. What is family law?

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Answer: Family law is the area of law that deals with family-related issues, such as divorce, child custody, child support and paternity. It helps families solve legal problems and make sure everyone's rights are protected.

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2. What does paternity mean?

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Answer: Paternity means the legal identification of a child's father when two unmarried people have a child together. When paternity is established, the father has legal responsibilities to support the child financially. Fathers must

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3. Why should I start a paternity case with the court?

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Answer: Starting a paternity case with the court officially identifies the father of your child. This is important because it allows the court to set up legal decision-making, parenting time, and child support orders. It protects your child's rights and makes sure the father is involved in their life.

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4. What is legal decision-making?

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Answer: Legal decision-making refers to the right to make important decisions about a child's life, such as where they go to school, what medical care they receive, and what religious practices they follow. In Arizona, legal decision-making can be shared by both parents or given to just one parent.

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5. What is parenting time?

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Answer: Parenting time is the time a parent spends with their child. The court can create a schedule that decides when each parent will have time with the child, ensuring that the child maintains a strong relationship with both parents.

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6. What is child support?

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Answer: Child support is money that one parent pays to the other to help cover the costs of raising a child. The amount is based on both parents' income and the needs of the child. Child support helps pay for things like food, clothing, housing, and medical care for the child.

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7. What should I do if the father asks me not to ask for child support?

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Answer: It's important to understand that child support is to help you pay for expenses related to caring for your child (housing, food, transportation, etc.), not for your personal benefit. If the father asks you not to seek child support, you should still go to court. The court will decide the right amount of support based on your child's needs. This money helps ensure your child has what they need to grow up healthy and happy.

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8. If the father signed the birth certificate, do I still need to start a paternity case?

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Answer: Yes, even if the father signed the birth certificate, it's still important to start a paternity case with the court. Signing the birth certificate only obligates him to be financially responsible for the child. A paternity case allows the court to set up legal decision-making, parenting time, and child support orders. This helps protect your child's rights and ensures the father is legally involved in their life.

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9. The father said he would help, but he doesn't do anything; what can I do?

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Answer: If the father isn't helping financially as promised, you can go to court to request child support . The court can enforce these orders to make sure he does his part financially. However, the court cannot force the father to spend time with the child. It's better to have a legal order in place for child support to protect your child's needs.

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10. I get along with the father and we agree on everything; why should I start a court case?

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Answer: Even if you and the father get along now, things can change in the future. A court order protects you and your child by clearly outlining each parent's rights and responsibilities. It also helps prevent disagreements later on by having everything in writing and approved by the court.