If a couple that's legally married within the state of Alabama have children there is no question about the rights and obligations of the father. His standing as a parent is going to be inherent, and so if perhaps the couple were to get divorced at some stage in time he'd not need to verify his paternity. Individuals who may have kids outside of wedlock will be in a very different position, and the subject of paternity is something which these individuals must pro-actively deal with.

In lots of situations the two parents acknowledge the paternity of the father and are totally willing to do whatever is necessary to legitimately record his parentage. Exactly how this is usually done will be as a result of the execution of an Acknowledgment of Paternity document. The parties can acquire this particular document right at the medical facility or birthing center and complete it and register it there if they so choose.

However, they are also able to do this at a later time after leaving the hospital right up until the child gets to the majority age, which in  Alabama is 19. It must be noted that paternity can also be established through the process of legitimation, that's where the parents of the child simply get married and then the father sees the child as his own.

In the past, when there had been a paternity argument it was tough to establish the parentage of the father with complete certainty. However in the present era of genetic testing parentage can be proven with statistical certainty, and testing can be directed by a judge or by using an administrative order within the state of Alabama. The mom of a child who is looking for child support from the supposed father is usually the party that starts the action, but men looking for visitation rights can and do make an effort to verify their parentage as well. 

For those who have questions or concerns concerning child visitation, legitimation, and paternity issues, make contact with divorce lawyers Mobile Alabama in order to arrange for a complimentary assessment. Mobile AL divorce attorneys can provide the help you need.