questions & answers

Question: I just found out I have a 2 year old daughter with an friend of mine. She as with another guy at he time, so she just let him believe he was the father through the pregnancy. So he's on the birth certificate, she has his last name. When I found out about her, the mother was all about finding out I'm the biological father and helping me get my parental right to her. Now the mother has changed her mind and is trying to keep me out of my daughters life. From everything he mother has told me about these past 2 years, the father always denied her being his to anyone they would meet. What can I do?

Answer: If a couple is not married, Arizona law presumes that the mother has full custody of a child.  In order for the father to obtain custody of the child or parenting time that can be enforced by the court, paternity must be established through the court.  After paternity has been established in the court, a legally binding custody arrangement can be created.

A link is provided below for access to all the forms that must be completed and filed with the court to establish paternity.  Additionally, the link provides a flyer for a free workshop held at the court the third Friday of every month to help explain how to navigate the process without a lawyer.

For the related forms and flyers, visit: http://www.superiorcourt.maricopa.gov/SuperiorCourt/Self-ServiceCenter/Forms/FamilyCourt/fc_drp1.asp

For more information on the process of changing the father listed on the birth certificate, visit: http://www.azdhs.gov/vital-records/corrections-amendments/birth/paternity.htm