Criminology Term: Putative Father
The term 'putative father' is used to refer to a man who is believed to be the biological father of a child but whose paternity has not been legally established.
This can be a contentious issue in child support and custody cases, as the legal status of the putative father determines his rights and responsibilities with regard to the child.
Until paternity is legally established, the putative father does not have the same legal rights and obligations as a legal father, such as the right to custody or visitation.
However, he may still be required to provide financial support for the child. In some cases, putative fathers may seek to establish paternity in order to gain legal rights to the child, such as custody or visitation.
Establishing paternity often involves DNA testing, which can be done voluntarily or through a court order. The legal process for establishing or disputing paternity varies depending on the jurisdiction but generally involves filing a petition with the court and attending a hearing.
During the hearing, evidence may be presented, and a judge will make a determination regarding paternity.
Disputing paternity can also be a complex and emotionally charged process. Putative fathers may dispute paternity in order to avoid financial obligations, such as child support. In these cases, DNA testing may be used to challenge the alleged paternity of the putative father.
The status of a putative father is an important legal concept in family law and can have significant implications for both the child and the individuals involved.
Legal proceedings related to establishing or disputing paternity can be complex and require the assistance of experienced legal professionals.
