Presumption of parentage: if two parents are married, the spouse is presumed to be the child's father or other parent, but this presumption can be challenged and is not absolute. In other situations, paternity must be established, and there may be a biological father versus a psychological father. This can be done through mutual consent or a court order. The child’s best interests will govern competing presumptions of paternity or parentage. The father may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, or may be asked to take a paternity test involuntarily if the mother applies for support through state child support services or public assistance and the father does not voluntarily accept paternity, or the court orders such a test at the request of the parties. This area of law is best navigated with counsel.
