When they are married when their child is born, the state of Arizona automatically recognizes the parental rights of both parents. If they part ways in the future, both have a right to a relationship with their child. However, unmarried fathers do not necessarily have...
Paternity
My ex-girlfriend is planning on moving away with my kid
My ex-girlfriend and I have a daughter together. I have been involved in her life and have been paying child support. Now, my ex has to move to another state. What happens to my rights as a father? You need a parenting order from the court before you can object A...
4 reasons you should legally establish paternity for your child
If you were not married at the time you gave birth, the father of your children has not been legally established under Arizona law. That could make things more difficult for you and your child, especially if your relationship goes sour. Voluntary agreements to provide...
My girlfriend and I broke up. Do I have rights as a father?
Yes, in principle. Assuming you are the biological father, you have the natural right to parent your child as long as you are not unfit to do so. However, you will need to go to court to establish your rights as a father if you were unmarried at the time of your...
Do unmarried fathers naturally have parental rights in Arizona?
No. Arizona law requires unmarried parents to establish paternity in a legal proceeding before the father has any parenting rights. You can sign an acknowledgement of paternity, which will institute a child support obligation, but an acknowledgement of paternity alone...
Unmarried parents? Consider getting a court order of paternity
In Arizona, you can establish a father's paternity by having both parents sign an acknowledgement of paternity form in the presence of a witness or notary. You will generally need a photo ID. You may even have been given this form when your baby was born. You don't...
When do you have to legally establish a child’s paternity?
In Arizona, the law assumes that the child of a married woman belongs to her spouse, but this is not always the case. When it is not, the parents need to establish legal paternity. This could be necessary, for example, when: The mother is not married The mother's...