Paternity & Fathers’ Rights in Arkansas

Protecting the Rights of Both Parents

Establishing paternity is one of the most important legal steps a parent can take to protect a child’s future. In Arkansas, paternity cases affect both fathers’ rights and mothers’ rights, including custody, visitation, child support, and decision-making authority.

At Turner & Rasch LLP, we represent mothers and fathers in Arkansas paternity actions, helping ensure that parental rights are clearly established, fairly enforced, and focused on the best interests of the child.

What Is Paternity in Arkansas?

Paternity is the legal determination of a child’s biological father. When parents are not married at the time of a child’s birth, paternity must be legally established before the court can enter enforceable orders regarding custody, visitation, or child support.

Paternity may be established through:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment of paternity at the time of birth

  • Court-ordered genetic testing

  • A paternity action filed in court

Once paternity is established, both parents gain certain legal rights and responsibilities concerning the child.

Fathers’ Rights in Arkansas Paternity Cases

Contrary to common misconceptions, fathers can gain important legal rights in Arkansas once paternity is established. These rights may include:

  • Seeking custody or joint custody

  • Establishing a visitation or parenting-time schedule

  • Participating in major decisions about the child’s upbringing

  • Requesting fair child support calculations

  • Protecting the parent-child relationship

Arkansas courts do not automatically favor mothers or fathers. Custody and visitation decisions are based on the best interests of the child, not gender.

Mothers’ Rights in Arkansas Paternity Cases

Paternity actions also protect the rights of mothers and children. Mothers have the right to:

  • Establish legal paternity for their child

  • Seek child support from the biological father

  • Request custody and parenting plans that promote stability

  • Ensure accurate income disclosure for support calculations

  • Protect the child’s safety and well-being

Establishing paternity helps ensure that children receive the financial and emotional support they deserve from both parents.

Custody and Visitation in Paternity Cases

Once paternity is established, the court may enter orders regarding:

  • Legal custody (decision-making authority)

  • Physical custody (where the child lives)

  • Visitation or parenting time

Arkansas law expresses a preference for meaningful involvement by both parents, when appropriate. The court evaluates factors such as stability, parenting ability, work schedules, and the child’s needs.

Child Support and Paternity

Child support is often addressed as part of a paternity case. Arkansas uses statutory child support guidelines to calculate support based primarily on income.

Paternity cases may involve:

  • Establishing initial child support orders

  • Ensuring all sources of income are considered

  • Addressing health insurance and medical expenses

  • Modifying support if circumstances change

Both parents have the right to fair and accurate child support determinations under Arkansas law.

When Paternity Is Contested

Some paternity cases are contested, meaning one party disputes biological parentage or the requested custody or support terms. These cases may involve:

  • Genetic testing

  • Court hearings

  • Disputes over custody or visitation

  • Allegations affecting parental fitness

Our attorneys are experienced in handling contested paternity cases and advocating for our clients’ rights while keeping the child’s best interests at the forefront.

How Turner & Rasch LLP Helps With Paternity & Fathers’ Rights Cases

At Turner & Rasch LLP, we understand that paternity cases can be emotionally charged and legally complex. Our firm provides clear guidance and strong advocacy for both mothers and fathers.

We assist clients with:

  • Establishing or challenging paternity

  • Custody and visitation negotiations or litigation

  • Child support establishment and modification

  • Protecting parental rights under Arkansas law

  • Ensuring clients understand each step of the process

We believe informed clients make better decisions, and we prioritize communication and transparency throughout your case.

Serving Parents in Little Rock and Across Arkansas

Based in Little Rock, Turner & Rasch LLP represents parents throughout Central Arkansas in paternity, custody, and child support matters.

Speak With an Arkansas Paternity Attorney Today

Whether you are a father seeking to protect your parental rights or a mother seeking to establish paternity and support, early legal guidance can make a meaningful difference.

Contact Turner & Rasch LLP today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help you navigate a paternity or fathers’ rights case with confidence and care.

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