We Have the Answers You Need to Questions About Legally Establishing Paternity in California

Posted on: February 9, 2022

We Have the Answers You Need to Questions About Legally Establishing Paternity in California

Whatever side you’re on, whether you’re a mother who wants the father of her kid to pay child support or a guy who wants to establish that a child is or isn’t his, you’re bound to have doubts regarding paternity. Read on for answers to some of the most common inquiries, then call Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 to speak with a family law lawyer.

What is the best way to prove paternity?

Establishing paternity can be done in two ways: freely or involuntarily. A parent can fill out a voluntary declaration of paternity to admit his or her child’s paternity. When the father refuses to cooperate, a judge might confirm paternity by ordering tests or using other measures.

What is the significance of establishing paternity?

Establishing paternity might be crucial for a variety of reasons. It’s possible that paternity must be confirmed before the parent may seek custody of their kid. It’s possible that the parent wants to have legal rights to participate in their child’s decision-making. When the custodial parent seeks paternity, it is usually so that they can get the child support to which they are due.

Even if two unmarried individuals who share a kid agree on how to split finances and childcare, it may make sense to prove legal paternity in some instances. It may make it simpler for the kid to be covered by their father’s health insurance or to inherit from their father, for example.

What is a paternity declaration that is made voluntarily?

Unmarried parents sign this paper to establish paternity. It is generally signed at the hospital shortly after the birth but it can be signed afterwards too. The right to a paternity trial and paternity testing is waived when a person makes a voluntary declaration of fatherhood.

Is it feasible to undo a paternity declaration that was made voluntarily?

Yes. This entails filing a paternity revocation declaration. This must, however, be done within 60 days after the day the form was signed. As a result, if you have signed a voluntary declaration of paternity and wish to revoke it, you should contact a family law counsel straight once.

What are your choices if paternity is a point of contention?

If the father refuses to recognize his kid, or if the mother refuses to accept the father, paternity must be established by the court. Contacting a family law attorney or a local child support agency is the first step for either side.

You should contact a family law attorney as soon as possible if you are involved in a paternity dispute. We at Law Office of Michael L. Fell are here to assist you in making this procedure as painless as possible. Please call us at (949) 585-9055 right away.