Understanding Fathers’ Rights In Arizona

As your child’s father, you have rights and responsibilities under Arizona law. A common misconception is that Arizona is a “mothers'” or a “fathers'” state. It is neither. Arizona courts are prohibited from utilizing gender to determine legal decision-making and parenting time rights.

At The Law Office of Kristen Kaffer, PLLC in Phoenix, I represent fathers who wish to establish rights to their child. I can also represent men who are contesting a paternity suit. Regardless of which side you are on, you deserve experienced, caring representation. I have been representing fathers and putative fathers for 13 years, and I am thoroughly familiar with Arizona law on this issue.

What Rights Do Fathers Have In Arizona?

Married fathers in Arizona have joint legal decision-making and equal rights to parenting time at the beginning of a divorce and unless/until the court orders otherwise. Unmarried fathers in Arizona (where no prior court orders have been entered) need to establish legal decision-making and parenting time for their children.

Establishing Or Disproving Paternity

If your identity as the child’s father has not already been established via a birth certificate or court order, and you are not married to your child’s mother, establishing paternity will be the first step to exercising your rights. The easiest way to establish paternity is with a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form, which requires signatures from both parents. A paternity case can be initiated by the mother, prospective father or the child’s guardian. Paternity is presumed when a couple is married and filing for divorce or legal separation. If the parties are unmarried, paternity will need to be established by showing a copy of the birth certificate or by other means. The court may order genetic testing to determine paternity at the beginning of the case if either party denies paternity.

Let Me Know How I Can Help You Seek Or Contest Parental Rights To A Child

I understand how important this issue is, and I will fight for the outcome you want. For an appointment, please call me at 602-922-1022 or contact me online.