Paternity Test Filing Guidance

Summary

In Arizona, to establish paternity, file the Establish Paternity packet and request a court-ordered paternity test. Initially, focus on sections related to paternity, leaving areas like child support blank until paternity is confirmed. After establishing paternity, you can amend the petition to address legal decision-making, parenting time, and child support. The court includes these sections to ensure all aspects of the childs welfare are considered once paternity is confirmed. Filing the entire packet initially, even with blank sections, is standard.

Full Conversation

I am the alleged father and I'm going to be filing an "Establish Paternity" packet. I would like a paternity test to occur before Paternity.
****, you can request a paternity test as part of your "Establish Paternity" packet. Typically, the court will order the test to determine paternity before making any legal decisions.
Are you currently located in the United States? This information can help provide specific guidance based on your location.
Arizona
****, in Arizona, you can indeed request a paternity test as part of your "Establish Paternity" packet. Here are the key steps:
- File the "Establish Paternity" packet with the court.
- Request the court to order a paternity test.
- The court will typically order genetic testing to determine paternity before making any legal decisions.
Would you like to know more about the forms you need or how to proceed with the filing?
How do I fill-out the "Petition for Court Order for Paternity and ..." pre-DNA test?
To fill out the "Petition for Court Order for Paternity and..." pre-DNA test in Arizona, follow these steps:
*. Personal Information: Enter your name, address, and contact information.
*. Child Information: Provide details about the child (name, date of birth).
*. Mother's Information: Include the mother's name and contact details.
*. Alleged Father Information: Your own details as the alleged father.
*. Reason for Petition: State that you are requesting a court-ordered paternity test.
*. Signature: Sign and date the petition.
Would you like more detailed guidance on any of these steps?
The boxes include "Legal Decision-making", "Parenting Time", "Child Support", and "Vital Records". Do I check the ones I want before the DNA test?
****, before the DNA test, you should focus on the paternity issue first. Leave the boxes for "Legal Decision-making," "Parenting Time," "Child Support," and "Vital Records" unchecked initially. Once paternity is established, you can address those other issues.
Would you like more details on what to do after the paternity test results?
Why does it ask then?
****, the reason those boxes are included in the form is to address all potential issues related to the child's welfare once paternity is established. The court wants to ensure that all legal aspects such as custody, visitation, and support are considered. After paternity is confirmed, you'll need to address these matters.
Would you like more details on how to proceed once you have the paternity test results?
Do I file a partial packet, take it out after paternity is established, and re-file with the other things I'm pursuing?
****, you don't need to file a partial packet. File the complete "Establish Paternity" packet initially, focusing on the paternity issue. After paternity is established, you can amend or supplement the petition to address "Legal Decision-making," "Parenting Time," "Child Support," and "Vital Records."
Would you like more information on amending the petition after paternity is established?
Do I need to fill-out the sections about income and child support before the DNA test?
****, you typically don't need to fill out the sections about income and child support before the DNA test. Focus on establishing paternity first. Once paternity is confirmed, you can then provide information regarding income and child support.
Would you like more guidance on what to do after paternity is established?
As I understand it, I should only fill-out three sections of the packet initially before the paternity test: "Family Department Sensitive Data Coversheet With Children", "Summons", and ! partially filled-out "Petition for Court Order for Paternity and ...".
****, it sounds like you have a good understanding of the initial steps. Focus on:
- "Family Department Sensitive Data Coversheet With Children"
- "Summons"
- "Petition for Court Order for Paternity" (partial)
After paternity is established, address other sections like child support. Would you need advice on how to amend the petition after the test?
I should put "Preliminary Injunction", "Parenting Plan", and "Order and Notice to Attend Parent Information Program Class" to the side until after the paternity test.
****, you should indeed focus on the paternity issue first. Set aside "Preliminary Injunction," "Parenting Plan," and "Order and Notice to Attend Parent Information Program Class" until after the paternity test results. Once paternity is established, you can address those matters.
Would you like guidance on how to amend the petition after paternity is established?
With the first three sections I'm filing for before the paternity test, should I include a written request for a paternity test on a separate sheet of paper?
****, you don't need to include a separate sheet for the paternity test request. Just state your request for a paternity test within the "Petition for Court Order for Paternity." This will ensure the court knows you are seeking a paternity test as part of your filing.
Would you like more information on the process after the paternity test results?
Just to confirm, in "Petition for Court Order for Paternity" I should leave the parts about child support blank before the paternity test has happened?
Yes, ****, you should leave the parts about child support blank in the "Petition for Court Order for Paternity" before the paternity test has happened. Focus on establishing paternity first.
Would you like more details on what to do once paternity is established?
I'm still confused on what I should fill-out and not fill-out on "Petition for Court Order for Paternity". By focusing on paternity, more than half of the section in not filled-out. Do I need to file the entire section before the paternity test, including the pages that are not filled-out?
****, you should file the entire "Petition for Court Order for Paternity" packet, even if many sections are left blank initially. Focus on sections that pertain to the paternity test. You can complete the remaining sections, like child support, after paternity is established.
Would you like more information on what sections to fill out post-paternity test?