A determination of paternity can lead to Family Law issues including Child Custody and parenting time and Child Support.

DNA testing is frequently used to determine paternity and a paternity order entered against a Father will impose a Child Support obligation.

Establishing paternity is generally handled by the Family Court. Once paternity is established, the Family Court has the power to award child support and determine custodial rights.

Paternity may be established by a written document called an acknowledgement which is filed with the birth registrar. If the mother was married to another man during her pregnancy or when the child was born, the alleged father must establish paternity through the Court as the husband is the presumed father.

When either parent, the mother or alleged father, contests paternity, the Family Court may take jurisdiction over the case. The mother or father can file a petition in court and a Family Court Judge will determine paternity.