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Starting my new life

I have been waiting for the last twenty years to leave my husband. I have never been that well suited to him, but once I got pregnant I thought we should give it a try. Now that the kids have left home, it's obvious that our marriage is totally over. We're going to get a divorce. I'm making sure I have all of my ducks in a row, legally speaking, before I leave so that I get everything I'm entitled too. This blog is designed to give other empty nest divorcees a place to chat and share tips and advice.

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Starting my new life

Top Reasons to Hire a Family Lawyer When Establishing Paternity

by Cherly Green

Establishing paternity involves a lot more than just filling a paternity acknowledgment form and waiting for results. Unfortunately, most parents do not treat a paternity test seriously, especially if they are sure they are a child's biological parent. Thus, they do not bother to hire a family lawyer and proceed with the process alone. However, it is the last thing you should do as a parent because a family lawyer specialising in paternity law represents your needs. This article highlights the tops reasons to hire a family lawyer when establishing paternity.

Secure Visitation Rights

Seeking a paternity test for a child you do not have a relationship with can be difficult. In such cases, most parents find it challenging to commence the process. Therefore, the first thing a family lawyer does is ensure that the correct procedures are followed in determining a child's paternity. Once a paternity test confirms you are a child's biological parent, a lawyer files a motion to grant you visitation rights. Thus, it helps make you part of a child's life as quickly as possible for the sake of their development. If you decide to proceed with a paternity process alone, you might struggle to get visitation rights.

Change a Child's Name

Naming a child is one of the proudest moments of parenthood. It presents an opportunity to share a name with your offspring. Notably, it is one of the reasons you need to hire an attorney for a paternity case. Once a test has established paternity, a lawyer may help change a child's name to include your surname, depending on the circumstances. However, it is easier when a child is still young. Notably, name change poses a challenge when older children are involved because you'll have to ask them for approval. Most importantly, a lawyer makes the name-changing process easier.

Suggest Sharing of Responsibilities

A parent seeking to establish paternity needs a lawyer to suggest how both partners share responsibilities. It is essential for parents that have not been part of a child's life for a long time. For instance, if a paternity test establishes that you are the biological father of a teenage child you did not know about, a lawyer will help determine the amount of support you should provide. It does not matter whether a child already lives a comfortable life or not. According to Australian laws, every parent has the right to take care of their biological child.

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