Where Do I Start

[Simple Plan]

My question involves paternity law for the State of: Tennessee

I am in a relationship with a woman that is going through a divorce. She is pregnant and we both know the baby is mine. I have recently found out some interesting information about how long her husband will be considered the "legal" father after a divorce is final.
I already intended on filing a paternity suit to prove that I am the biological father.
Only problem is, I don't even know where to start.

1) Do these proceedings go throught the Juvenile Court system?
2) Can these proceedings be started prior to the birth of my child?
---I do not want any type of testing done on my unborn child!!!
3) How long after my child is born do I have to get the proceedings started?
4) Can the other guy contest these proceedings? If so, how do I fight that?

[Xena]

My question involves paternity law for the State of: Tennessee

I am in a relationship with a woman that is going through a divorce. She is pregnant and we both know the baby is mine. I have recently found out some interesting information about how long her husband will be considered the "legal" father after a divorce is final.
I already intended on filing a paternity suit to prove that I am the biological father.
Only problem is, I don't even know where to start.

1) Do these proceedings go throught the Juvenile Court system?
2) Can these proceedings be started prior to the birth of my child?
---I do not want any type of testing done on my unborn child!!!
3) How long after my child is born do I have to get the proceedings started?
4) Can the other guy contest these proceedings? If so, how do I fight that?

To get the most accurate answers, you should get a consult with a local attorney. Consults are usually inexpensive and well woth the small cost.

I do know that you cannot file until after the baby is born. You can file the same day of birth if you wish.

[aaron]

The fact that mom's married complicates things, particularly if her husband wishes to claim paternity. If he's on board with your being the child's legal father, it's still more complicated than if she were unmarried, but much less so than if he wishes to assert paternal rights. Under the circumstances, consulting a lawyer is a sensible thing to do.

You can commence a paternity action before the birth of the child. "If an action under this section is brought before the birth of the child, all proceedings may be stayed until after the birth, except service of process, the taking of depositions to preserve testimony, and the performance of genetic testing." Tennessee Code, Sec. 36-2-305(b)(3).

[Simple Plan]

You can commence a paternity action before the birth of the child. "If an action under this section is brought before the birth of the child, all proceedings may be stayed until after the birth, except service of process, the taking of depositions to preserve testimony, and the performance of genetic testing." Tennessee Code, Sec. 36-2-305(b)(3).

Where can I find these laws online? Are they available to the public?

Does anyone know if the courts would push for genetic testing (IE- amnio) if a paternity suit is filed prior to the birth of the child? This is NOT something I'm willing or wanting to do!!!

[aardvarc]

Due to the danger to the mother and child, a court ordering a paternity test prior to birth is a super rare thing - and is almost unheard of if the reason is a simple paternity matter. Everyone will have to wait until the birth.

[cyjeff]

I will also double check, but doesn't a pregnancy stop divorce proceedings?

[skmcdaniel]

I will also double check, but doesn't a pregnancy stop divorce proceedings?

Usually when if someone is pregnant it will prolong a divorce until the child is born.

[cyjeff]

Usually when if someone is pregnant it will prolong a divorce until the child is born.

Correct... I misspoke... it doesn't STOP the proceedings but it does delay them.