Every parent has certain rights and responsibilities. In some cases, their paternity may first need to be established for those right and responsibilities to be enforceable. When a couple is married, the husband is automatically given paternity rights if the child is born while they’re married. However, in cases where the couple isn’t married, additional steps are required to prove paternity. To learn more, read on and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at 949-585-9055 to request your free case evaluation.
Both parents benefit from proven paternity
Both parents can benefit from proven paternity because it makes visitation, custody, and child support much easier. It helps make other things simpler as well, such as insurance coverage and other similar benefits. Whether you want to establish paternity to prove that you’re not the father, or you want rights to a child you know is hours, you can count on Law Office of Michael L. Fell to be by your side throughout the process.
Did you make a voluntary declaration of paternity?
The easiest way for an unmarried father to establish paternity over a child is for him to be there when the baby is born and to then sign a voluntary declaration of paternity. If it’s not signed then, there are ways to sign it later but we’d recommend you work with a paternity attorney for this step. Both parents must sign a voluntary declaration of paternity and it waives both of their rights to ever contest paternity.
Some paternity cases need to go to court
If either the father or mother isn’t willing to agree to paternity, then you’ll need to take the case to court. Once again, it’s best to work with a paternity attorney who can guide you through the process. When you work with Law Office of Michael L. Fell, we will fill out all the initial paperwork or respond to paperwork that’s been filed against you, we will gather evidence (this may include DNA tests), and we will appear at any and all hearings.
Proving paternity isn’t the end of the road
After paternity has been proven, there are other agreements you’ll need to ensure your rights are protected or that the father’s responsibilities are clear. When you work with a paternity attorney, we can assist you with everything from child support to child custody agreements. Our goal is to ensure that the agreements are both fair and in the best interest of the child involved.
Call today for an experienced, compassionate attorney
No matter which side of the issue you’re on, this is a complicated time for you. When you choose Law Office of Michael L. Fell, you’re choosing to work with an attorney who’s experienced in family law, who is compassionate and understanding of your situation, and who will do what it takes to make sure your rights are upheld.
Ideally, the situation would be resolved quickly and easily but we are more than willing to go to court and fight aggressively if necessary. Call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at 949-585-9055 to set up your free case evaluation.