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The first step is to ensure legal paternity has been established. The child’s mother can initiate a paternity action against the alleged father to set legal paternity. If the alleged father refuses to acknowledge paternity, the courts will often request for him to...

If a paternity action is filed against you, you should respond. If you don’t, a court can reach a final order without you, leaving you unable to present your side. Papers When you’re served, read the papers (or complaints) carefully, so you understand what the other...

The specific process of filing a paternity action can vary per state. However, in most states, the mother or alleged father can file a paternity action to start the legal process. Legal process The case will typically start with the filing party completing paperwork...

There are multiple ways to establish paternity that fit different situations. In most states, paternity is determined by: Paternity by assumption The husband is presumed to be the legal father if the mother is married. However, a married man may legally challenge...

A paternity action is a legal process to establish who is legally the father, especially when parents aren’t married or if there is a conflict. This civil action can be started by the mother to gain child support from the alleged father or filed by the biological...

A foster parent may seek custody of a child in their care, but it is important to understand that the goal of the foster care system is to reunify children with their birth families whenever possible. With a goal in mind to safely place a child back with their birth...

Child protective services (CPS) and foster care records are generally confidential and are not made public. Such records can include child identification information, information regarding the child's biological family, condition reports on the child’s original home,...

Foster parents do receive a monthly stipend to cover the costs of child care, such as food, clothing, and other basic necessities. The payment structure for foster families varies depending on the payment rates established by their residing state, the age of the...

Are adoption records public? Adoption records are often sealed or only allow restricted or partial access in most states. However, there are exceptions, with some states having open adoption records. Can adoption records be sealed? Yes. Many states and courts seal...

The steps involved in adopting a child will vary from state to state, but here are the basic steps most states require. 1. Ensure you meet the basic requirements Prospective parents must: Meet basic requirements, such as age, state residency, and are financially...