questions & answers

Question: i am currently pregnant by a man who is married, who denies that the child is his. he now lives in the state of california. He will not be present at the hospital to sign acknowledgement of paternity. what is the proper steps I need to take to prove he is the father? Is there anything I can do about him being legally marrried and getting another woman pregnant?

Answer:

- A paternity proceeding is commenced by the filing of a verified petition that alleges that a woman is delivered of a child…born out of lawful wedlock or pregnant with a child conceived out of wedlock and that the respondent is the father of the child, see ARS 25-806. This is similar to a regular civil case procedure. Therefore, if the respondent doesn’t file a response, the court may enter a judgment of paternity. Additionally, if there are any issues, a trial may be held to resolve those issues, see ARS 25-806. This link, for the Superior Court of Maricopa County, is directed to the Self-Help section that contains relevant forms for these issues.

For more information regarding how Arizona statutes will apply to your situation, please seek the advice of an attorney.