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Chicago Divorce Lawyers / Blog / Family / “You’re Not the Father”: What Chicago Parents Can Do if They Suspect Their Child is Not Biologically Their Own

“You’re Not the Father”: What Chicago Parents Can Do if They Suspect Their Child is Not Biologically Their Own

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Years ago, before reality television shows like Keeping Up with the Kardashians and The Real Housewives franchises took over the airwaves and screens, talk shows dominated the afternoon boob-tube cycle, and paternity cases were a popular theme of controversy between on-screen couples. Indeed, the gleeful squeal of “You ARE the father!” or “You ARE NOT the father” still resonate in many Chicago-area parents’ minds, especially those who grew up watching shows like Maury Povich and Jenny Jones. However, even though the days of paternity suit talk shows are somewhat over and a relic of the past, the real-world issue of whether a child is biologically the child of their parent is still alive and well. But what can Chicago-area parents do if they suspect that their child is not actually their biological child, and where can Chicago parents turn with their paternity questions and issues? To help Chicago parents better understand how establishing paternity works and where they can go for legal help, we answer those questions here.

Your First Steps if You Suspect Your Child is Not Biologically Yours in Chicago

There are a number of steps that a parent can take if they, sadly, suspect that their child is not biologically their child. First of all, it makes good sense to get in touch with an experienced Chicago family law attorney who can help explain your rights to you, especially in the event that the child is not your biological child. The second thing that you can do is to request a DNA test to confirm whether you are actually the child’s biological parent or not. If the other parent refuses, you have the right to file a motion in court to obtain the DNA test, and the court may grant your request if it deems that your request is reasonable. If you are not the biological parent of the child, and such is confirmed, you are entitled to file a motion in court to “disestablish” paternity of the child. If your petition is granted, among other things, you may be relieved of things like child support obligations and other obligations concerning the child. Of course, the court will analyze and scrutinize all aspects of your petition, so, again, it is a good idea to work with an experienced Chicago family law attorney on your case, for the best chance of success.

Finding Legal Help in Chicago – Chicago Family Law Attorney

Establishing paternity of a child is a complex and sensitive issue. If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your paternity case, contact the experienced Chicago family law lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago family law lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents and families with their complex paternity cases. Do not hesitate to speak to an experienced Chicago family law lawyer about your case today. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

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