What if My Child’s Father Denies Paternity in Arkansas?

You're raising a child and doing your best—but the person you believe is the father is saying, "That child isn’t mine." It’s hurtful, confusing, and can leave you feeling stuck. Whether you’re trying to secure support for your child or simply get legal clarity, Arkansas law gives you a path forward.

At The Graham Law Firm PLLC, we understand how emotional and overwhelming paternity disputes can be. You don’t have to go through this alone. We’re here to help you protect your child’s rights and guide you through the legal process with care, respect, and strength.

Why Paternity Matters

Establishing legal paternity does more than assign responsibility—it provides your child with important rights and resources. When paternity is legally recognized, your child may gain access to:

• Financial support from both parents
• Health insurance, Social Security, and inheritance rights
• Legal clarity on custody and parenting time
• A stronger chance to build a meaningful relationship with both parents

Without legal paternity, these benefits may not be guaranteed—even if everyone "knows" who the father is.

How Paternity Works in Arkansas

In Arkansas, paternity can be established in two ways:

Voluntary Acknowledgment: If both parents agree on who the father is, they can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP) form. This form is often completed at the hospital when the child is born or can be filed later through the Arkansas Department of Health or Office of Child Support Enforcement.

Court-Ordered Paternity: If paternity is denied or uncertain, either parent can file a petition in court. The court may then order DNA testing—a simple cheek swab for the child, mother, and alleged father.

Once paternity is confirmed, the court can set up child support, custody, and other parental rights.

What to Expect During an Arkansas Paternity Case 

The legal process can feel intimidating, but here’s a basic roadmap of how it works in Arkansas:

Filing the Petition: One parent begins the process by filing a petition in court to establish paternity.

Temporary Orders (If Needed): If there are urgent needs—like support or temporary custody—the court may issue temporary orders while the case is ongoing.

DNA Testing: If paternity is disputed, the court will typically order genetic testing. It’s painless, accurate, and handled through approved labs.

Court Hearing: After test results are in, the court may schedule a hearing to finalize paternity and decide on support or custody issues.

Final Order: A legally binding court order is issued, which confirms paternity and outlines financial and parenting responsibilities.

Throughout this process, having a knowledgeable attorney ensures your case is handled properly—and your rights are protected.

How Our Paragould, AR Paternity Attorneys Can Help:

At The Graham Law Firm PLLC, we’ve helped many parents in Northeast Arkansas navigate paternity cases with care and clarity. Whether you're seeking support, defending your rights, or trying to bring peace to a tense situation, we can help you:

• File a petition to establish paternity
• Request court-ordered DNA testing
• Advocate for child support or custody arrangements
• Handle each step with compassion and professionalism

We know this isn’t just a legal issue—it’s your child’s future. And we take that responsibility seriously.

Contact The Graham Law Firm PLLC for Your Family Today

Paternity disputes are tough, but you don’t have to face them alone. If the father of your child is denying paternity—or if you’re unsure where to begin—we're here to help.

Contact our team at The Graham Law Firm PLLC in Paragould today to schedule a private consultation with an experienced Arkansas paternity attorney. We'll walk you through your options, explain your rights, and help you take the next step with confidence.

Your child deserves security. You deserve peace of mind. Let us help you get both. Reach out today for real legal guidance.