Paternity Attorneys in Nashville, Tennessee

Legal matters relating to the parentage of a child can be both contentious and emotionally charged. A father who wasn’t married to the mother of the child at the time of conception may be surprised to learn that they have no rights to their child under Tennessee law. A mother who gave birth to a child outside of marriage may be surprised to learn that she cannot pursue child support payments from the biological father.

Either way, establishing paternity is beneficial for everyone involved, including children.  

Whether you are looking to establish or challenge paternity, you may want to have a paternity attorney in Nashville, Tennessee, protecting your interests. Attorney Frank Brazil at Brazil Clark, PLLC, understands the sensitive nature of cases involving the parentage of a child, which is why he offers compassionate support no matter what the client’s needs are.  

What Is Paternity?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as the biological father of a child. This determination affects various legal rights and responsibilities regarding the upbringing and welfare of the child. Establishing paternity not only solidifies a father's legal standing but also has profound implications for the child's development, including emotional and financial security. 

What Are the Legal Rights of the Father?

Once paternity is established, fathers are entitled to several legal rights, including: 

• Parenting time: Fathers have the right to spend time with their children and participate in their upbringing. 

• Child support: Establishing paternity ensures that fathers contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. 

• Inheritance: Children have the legal right to inherit from their biological fathers. 

• Access to medical history: Children can have access to their father’s medical history for health-related reasons. 

• Government assistance: Establishing paternity can entitle children to benefits such as Social Security or veteran’s benefits. 

These rights ensure the father's involvement in the child's life, fostering a balanced and supportive family dynamic.

Issues With Paternity When Parents Are Married and Unmarried

Paternity issues can arise even when parents are married in the following situations:  

• Pregnancy after separation: If a child is conceived after the couple separates, questions about paternity may arise. 

• Pregnancy due to extramarital affairs: A child conceived during an affair can complicate paternity matters. 

• Wife’s acknowledgment of non-paternity: If the wife acknowledges that her husband is not the father, paternity testing may be necessary. 

Challenges in establishing paternity can also occur when parents are not married: 

• “One-night stands”: Casual encounters can lead to disputes over paternity. 

• Cohabiting without marriage: Couples living together without marrying will generally need to establish paternity. 

• Father’s refusal to acknowledge paternity: A man may deny being the father, which may require legal intervention. 

Whatever your issue with paternity is, Attorney Frank Brazil can help. The paternity attorney in Nashville represents both fathers and mothers who wish to establish or challenge paternity.  

Ways to Establish Paternity in Tennessee

In Tennessee, there are two primary methods to establish paternity: 

1. Court order: A judge can determine paternity, often involving DNA testing. 

2. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAOP): Parents can sign the VAOP document in front of a notary to legally recognize paternity. 

Couples should choose the method that best suits their circumstances, ensuring that the legal framework supports the child's welfare and secures the father's rights effectively. 

How Do Tennessee Courts Decide Paternity?

When deciding paternity, Tennessee courts consider several factors, including genetic testing results, the relationship between the child and the alleged father, testimonies from the involved parties, and the best interests of the child. 

Do You Need an Attorney When Establishing or Challenging Paternity?

Navigating paternity matters without legal guidance can be daunting. An experienced attorney like Frank Brazil can offer invaluable support, helping you understand your rights and obligations under the law. Whether establishing or challenging paternity, having skilled legal representation ensures that you adhere to legal standards and safeguard your own interests and the interests of the child.  

Why Choose Brazil Clark, PLLC?

Clients in Nashville and throughout Rutherford County have consistently chosen attorney Frank Brazil to help them with their paternity matters for his:  

• Assistance with DNA testing: He provides guidance on obtaining necessary genetic testing. 

• Results-driven approach: Attorney Frank Brazil is focused on achieving favorable outcomes for clients. 

• Client-centric solutions: He prioritizes the needs and well-being of clients and their families. 

• Creative thinking: The attorney employs innovative strategies to resolve complex cases. 

• Skilled in dispute resolution: Attorney Frank Brazil helps resolve disputes through negotiation and mediation;  

• Years of courtroom experience: He has years of experience successfully representing clients in court. 

For legal assistance in paternity matters, do not hesitate to contact Brazil Clark, PLLC. Attorney Frank Brazil is one of few family law attorneys in Tennessee who treats clients as individuals, not case numbers. The law firm is based in Nashville and serves clients throughout Rutherford County. Discuss your case now by scheduling a free consultation.