How Is Paternity Established?

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If the father and mother were not married at the time of the child`s birth, an Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity or a court order naming the legal father establishes paternity. The alleged father may voluntarily admit that he is the father of the child. This can be done through the Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement Program of Arkansas that is offered at all birthing centers in Arkansas, all Child Support Enforcement Offices, and Vital Records Offices. In cases where he does not admit paternity, a court hearing and/or paternity tests can be scheduled. Paternity tests examine the genetic markers of the mother, alleged father and the child. The paternity tests will indicate the likelihood of paternity or exclude the alleged father. The alleged father must pay for the costs of the tests. If the alleged father is excluded, the custodial parent (CP) may be required to pay for the tests.

Other Arkansas Family Law FAQs

Q: What If My Boyfriend Denies He Is The Father, Or Says He's Not Sure?
A: Paternity may be established by the evidence presented to the court including genetic testing given to the man, the mother and the child. These tests can exclude the … More
Q: Who Can Get Help From The Office Of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE)?
A: Any custodial parent who has physical custody of a child and needs help in obtaining child support payments may apply for services. A noncustodial parent (NCP) may … More
Q: How Much Child Support Will Be Ordered?
A: The amount of the child support will be based on the Arkansas Supreme Court guidelines and the noncustodial parent`s ability to pay according to these guidelines.
Q: How Long Will It Take To Receive Support Payments?
A: Each case is different. The time required depends on several factors, such as the difficulty in locating the noncustodial parent, whether paternity must be … More
Q: What If The Noncustodial Parent Is In Another State?
A: The most difficult child support cases are those in which the noncustodial parent lives in one state and the children in another. Help is still available, but service … More
Q: I Am Applying For Assistance Under TEA. Do I Have To Seek Child Support From The Children's Father?
A: As a condition of eligibility for TEA, you are required to help OCSE with our efforts to identify and collect child support payments from the noncustodial parent. If … More
Q: Can Past-Due Child Support Be Taken From The State Income Tax Refund?
A: Yes, for the custodial parent who receives state assistance the Noncustodial parent`s arrears amount must be $50 or more to be certified for State tax offset. For the … More
Q: The Noncustodial Parent Works Sporadically And Is Paid In Cash. Wage Withholding Won't Work For Me. What Will Happen?
A: Automatic billing, telephone reminders, and past due notices from OCSE might convince the noncustodial parent to make regular payments. Other methods, such as property … More
Q: Does the Office for Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) Charge An Application Fee For Its Services?
A: There is no fee if you are currently receiving Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) or IVE Foster Care. Your case is automatically referred to OCSE if there … More
Q: My Boyfriend Is In The Military Overseas And I Am About To Have His Child. How Do I Establish Paternity And Obtain An Order For Support?
A: Once the child is born you can complete the OCSE application for child support services. If he is willing to sign documents admitting paternity and agreeing to … More