Custody Complaint Filing Guidelines

Summary

In Pennsylvania, paternity must be established for a custody complaint. You can request a paternity test to clarify the biological relationship. Custody cases are typically not fully public to protect privacy. To serve a custody complaint across states, follow the rules of the recipients state. Accurate information, including names and dates, is crucial. Custody complaints usually need to be signed under penalty of perjury, not notarized. Incorrect information can be seen as perjury or fraud. Voluntarily terminating parental rights generally ends child support obligations, but exceptions exist. DNA tests across states involve court-approved facilities. Birth certificates are not public records due to privacy laws. Consult a local attorney for specific advice.

Full Conversation

A custody complaint was filed with no proof of paternity
Hello ****, in Rhode Island, paternity must generally be established for a custody complaint. Could you clarify if paternity has been legally recognized or disputed in this case?
this case is in PA, not RI. And no, absolutely nothing confirming I am the father and no DNA test
In Pennsylvania, you may want to consider the following steps:
- Requesting a paternity test can clarify the biological relationship.
- If you're not the biological father, you can challenge the custody complaint.
- Legal assistance can guide you through the process.
Please seek local legal advice to understand your options better.
Are custody complaints public record
In Rhode Island, custody complaints are typically not fully accessible to the public to protect the privacy of the involved parties. However, the existence of a case may be public. Specific rules can vary, so local legal advice may be beneficial.
what about in pa
In Pennsylvania, similar to Rhode Island, custody cases are typically not fully public to preserve the privacy of involved parties. However, the existence of a case may be public. It's best to consult a local legal advisor for specific information.
what is correct way to serve someone a custody complaint when in different states
In general, to serve someone a custody complaint when in different states:
- You must follow the rules of the state where the person resides.
- Service may be done through certified mail, process server, or sheriff's department.
- Some states allow service by publication if the person cannot be located.
Consult a local lawyer for specific procedures in the relevant state.
on the complaint, does the birth date of the child need to be accurate
In custody complaints, it is generally recommended to provide accurate information, including the child's date of birth. This helps ensure proper identification and processing of the case. However, the requirements may vary by state, so consulting a local attorney is advisable.
does it need to be notarized
In general, custody complaints should be signed under penalty of perjury but not always notarized. However, it may vary by jurisdiction. In Rhode Island, for instance, notarization is not typically required but consulting a local attorney is advisable to confirm.
is it required in pa
In Pennsylvania, while it's usual for certain documents to be notarized, a custody complaint typically needs to be signed under penalty of perjury, not notarized. However, specific rules can vary, so consulting with a local attorney is advisable.
do all names need to be correct
Yes, it is essential to provide accurate names when filing a custody complaint. Incorrect names can lead to complications or delays in your case. When in doubt, consult a local attorney.
what if the info provided is incorrect and the mother signed off saying it is correct information
If incorrect information was provided and affirmed as correct, it could potentially be seen as perjury or fraud, depending on the circumstance and jurisdiction. In such cases, it's advisable to seek legal counsel for appropriate next steps.
should all the dates on the documents match up
Yes, all dates on the legal documents should match and be consistent to ensure accuracy and avoid any potential issues or misunderstandings. Incorrect dates could lead to delays or complications in the case.
if you sign parental rights away in pa, can you be forced to pay child support
In Pennsylvania, if a parent voluntarily terminates their parental rights, they are generally not obligated to pay child support. However, there are exceptions. For example, if the termination is not in the child's best interest, the court might not approve it. Always consult a local attorney to understand the specifics of your situation.
how does a dna test work when in different states
When conducting a DNA test across different states, consider these steps:
- Contact a court-approved testing facility.
- Schedule appointments for testing in each state.
- Each party will provide a DNA sample at their location.
- The lab will compare the samples and deliver results.
It's important to seek local legal advice for the specifics.
are birth certificates publicrecord
Birth certificates are not generally considered public records in Rhode Island and most states due to privacy laws. Access to these records is typically restricted to the individual, immediate family members, or individuals with a legal interest. Always consult local regulations for specifics.