Many people reach adulthood without knowing their fathers. Others know who he is, but don’t dare approach him out of fear or anger. Whatever your case, it is important that you use services such as DNA testing for paternity to legally establish who your father is. This will not only give you the right to receive a surname but will also open doors to other benefits such as an inheritance or a nationality from another country. It is important not to confuse a home paternity test with a legally valid paternity test. It is not that the results of this type of test are unreliable, but that the law does not consider them legal because there was no chain of custody to certify that the samples were taken from the correct people.
What are your duties as a child?
Keep in mind that, if you decide to create a legal bond with your father, the law will not only give you rights but also duties. The law takes duties into account to grant certain rights. For example, if someone proves that you took care of your father during some illness or simply decided to break off communication with him, you are likely to lose the rights to some inheritance. In some countries, children are required by law to pay for their parent’s expenses. Even if your father did not take care of you as a child, but you agree to become his child legally, the law will require you to cover any financial expenses your father may have. If you don’t, you could be fined or even go to jail. Finally, you must respect the other people in your father’s life, such as any half-siblings you may have.
Prepare yourself for future events
Imagine living a full life when suddenly someone shows up and says he or she is your half-brother or half-sister. These kinds of unexpected events can change people’s lives in unimaginable ways, so be prepared to react appropriately. Likely, your father’s other children might not agree with your existence, let alone that you have rights such as access to a possible inheritance or to obtain a nationality through your father. If you are having a hard time dealing with this type of situation, it is best to seek professional help from a psychologist. On the legal side, it is also advisable to have a lawyer guide you so that you do not make mistakes. Remember that strangers will do everything possible to prevent you from accessing your rights.
