Manning Paternity Lawyer

Manning Paternity Attorney

There are numerous reasons why establishing paternity in Manning can be beneficial to a mother, father, or child. Doing so can answer important questions regarding child support, child custody, inheritance rights, and more. If you’re looking to establish paternity, an experienced Manning paternity lawyer from Kinney Law Firm can help you navigate the legal proceedings that follow and represent your rights.

Your Manning Paternity Team

Establishing paternity allows both a father and a mother in South Carolina to pursue parental rights and benefits. Our Manning paternity lawyer can help you find the answers to paternity questions by gathering evidence, guiding you through paperwork, and representing you in court when necessary. At Kinney Law Firm, we have helped countless residents establish paternity and are dedicated to pursuing the most favorable outcome for your unique situation.

Understanding South Carolina Paternity Laws

Paternity is a term used in South Carolina to refer to the legal right of fatherhood. If two parents are married at the time a child is born, paternity is generally established at the hospital. However, in scenarios involving unmarried parents, it may be more difficult to legally determine fatherhood.

According to the CDC, unmarried mothers in South Carolina accounted for 44.9% of live births in 2023. If such legal connections are not completed when your child is born, you may complete a Paternity Acknowledgement Affidavit.

Paternity cases are typically tried in Family Court. For residents of Manning, the courthouse you will most likely report to is the Clarendon County Family Court, located at 102 South Mill Street, Manning, SC 29102. However, the DNA testing that is required for paternity cases can be performed through various DNA testing labs located elsewhere. Our legal team has experience with these facilities and is ready to guide you through each proceeding with clarity.

Important Impacts of Establishing Paternity in South Carolina

Establishing paternity can affect a mother, father, and child in South Carolina. It is important to understand the impacts that taking such a step can have on everyone involved.

For mothers in South Carolina, establishing paternity may help them:

• Receive financial help from the father through court-mandated child support
• Relieve the financial and emotional burden of caring for a child alone

For fathers, establishing paternity allows them to:

• Legally participate in his child’s life
• Share his inheritance, family history, and familial relationships with the child
• Gain visitation or custody rights of his child
• Feel the joy that comes with being a dad

For children, establishing paternity may:

• Give them the emotional security of knowing who their father is
• Help them acquire medical information about their father’s family that may be relevant to their own health and well-being
• Gain a relationship with their father, regardless of whether full custody is awarded

There are many ways that establishing paternity in Manning, South Carolina can benefit a mother, child, and father alike. However, there are also benefits that can come from paternity tests revealing that an individual is not the father of a child. If this is your situation, a paternity test can free you from paying unnecessary child support and performing other tasks that you are not legally obligated to. It’s essential that you contact a lawyer to ensure you can establish paternity legally.

Why Choose Kinney Law Firm?

At Kinney Law Firm, we have handled numerous paternity cases throughout South Carolina and understand the complexities that come with establishing paternity. Our legal team shares comprehensive knowledge and experience in family law and is prepared to help you navigate your Manning paternity case with confidence and clarity. To ensure your rights are protected and your voice is heard, don’t wait to hire a paternity lawyer from our firm.

FAQs

What Are the Common Grounds for a Paternity Case in South Carolina?

A paternity case can be established in South Carolina when someone wants to legally identify the biological father of a child. Successful paternity cases may grant legal rights to a biological father, including the right to participate in their child’s life and potentially receive custody. These cases may also require the biological father to financially support their child and perform other responsibilities that they were not previously required to.

How Much Does a South Carolina Paternity Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a paternity lawyer in South Carolina may vary, depending on the circumstances of your case. The complexity of your case, the length of time it takes to settle, the location of your lawyer, and your lawyer’s reputation may all impact how much you pay. However, it’s important to ask your lawyer about their unique pricing structure during your initial consultation to ensure you understand all costs before moving forward.

How Is Paternity Established in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, multiple legal methods can be used to establish paternity. One of the more common ways is through signing a Parenting Affidavit at the hospital when a child is born. However, because many parents are unmarried at the time their child is born, genetic testing may be needed to establish paternity later on. You can request a DNA test through your local South Carolina court with help from a paternity lawyer.

How Accurate Are Paternity Tests in South Carolina?

Paternity DNA tests are known to be extremely reliable. Such DNA testing is performed using clear, scientifically tested methods that utilize blood and tissue samples. In some cases, paternity testing may still be performed even if one parent is deceased. Such tests can be court-ordered in cases in which concerned parties cannot agree on paternity matters. If you’re worried about a paternity test’s accuracy, you should contact a lawyer immediately.

Hire a Paternity Lawyer in Manning You Can Trust

Whether you’re a father looking to join his child’s life or you’re a mother who needs financial support, establishing paternity in Manning can be beneficial for a myriad of reasons. At Kinney Law Firm, our compassionate legal team has helped countless parents navigate paternity proceedings and is prepared to do the same for you. Contact us today to learn more about our Manning paternity services.