Paternity
Paternity Lawyer In Irvine, CA
Family Representation in Orange, San Diego, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties
Paternity cases arise between unmarried parents when the father seeks to secure visitation rights with his child or when the unmarried mother seeks child support payments from the father. These can be complicated matters affecting both biological parents as well as any other man who has parented the child whom he has not biologically fathered. These latter fathers may not have known that the child was not theirs during the marital relationship with the mother or a premarital relationship with her that led to marriage. Thus, these matters can affect all these adults as well as the child. When these disputes arise, the child’s parentage must be determined before a family court can rule on ensuing child support or parenting time orders.
At Writer Law Group, PC, we have represented countless mothers and fathers in these matters. Our Irvine paternity attorney brings unique qualifications and experience to your situation. As a Family Law Specialist recognized by the California Bar, Attorney Kayleene Writer has achieved the highest professional legal status available in our state. You can have peace of mind knowing that our firm has the expertise and experience needed to help you achieve the best possible result.
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Here are some key reasons why establishing paternity is important:
Understanding the Importance of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is a crucial step in ensuring the well-being and rights of both the child and the parents involved. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father wanting to establish legal rights and responsibilities, our experienced paternity lawyers at Writer Law Group, PC can guide you through the process.
At Writer Law Group, PC, we understand the complexities of paternity disputes and the sensitive nature of these cases. Our skilled attorneys are dedicated to protecting the rights and best interests of our clients throughout the entire process.
If the mother or alleged father contest paternity, the court can order the mother, the child, and the alleged father to take blood tests. DNA testing is the scientific method normally used to determine paternity. If the alleged father refuses to take blood tests, the court has the power to treat him as the child’s father and to proceed with custody, visitation, and support issues.
In certain cases, where blood tests show that the alleged father is also the biological father, statutory presumption limits the courts power to order visitation and support. For example, when evidence shows that the child’s mother was living with her husband at the time she conceived the child, the state presumes that the child is a child of that marriage. This is true even if the alleged father desperately wants to have visitation with the child and is ready to pay child support.
Establishing paternity can have several benefits for a child, including giving the child the right to financial support from both parents as well as governmental benefits, health history, health insurance, and inheritance rights through the child’s biological father.
Paternity Disputes In California
Men who father a child out of wedlock are responsible for the child’s emotional and financial welfare. A paternity action enables unmarried parents to resolve the same issues faced by parents in a divorce action, with the exception of property division issues.
A paternity action commences when one party files a “Complaint To Establish Parental Relationship” with the court. This action establishes the identity of the child’s parents. Once the court has established parentage, it can proceed to settle custody, visitation, and child support issues using the same codes and case law applicable to parents in divorce cases.
