Attorney
Palmdale Paternity Lawyer
Experienced Paternity Attorneys Serving Los Angeles County, CA
Paternity refers to the legal parentage of a father to a child. Children who are born to unmarried parents may not have a legal father until paternity testing assures the legality of the alleged father. In California, paternity can be established through the signing of an official declaration of paternity or through the marriage of both parents at the child's birth. If paternity is unknown, the father will not be obliged to pay child support and cannot obtain rights to visitation or custody. Whether you are the mother or father of a child, our Palmdale paternity lawyer can help you pursue paternity testing.
To speak with our experienced Palmdale paternity lawyers, give us a call at (661) 368-1181 or contact us online today.
How is paternity established in California?
In the state of California, paternity can be established in two ways: through a court order or a voluntary declaration of paternity. The declaration of paternity is a document that both parents sign at the hospital during the birth of the child. As a result of this signing, the father's name will appear on the birth certificate. If the declaration of paternity is not signed at the hospital after the child's birth, it can be signed at a later time. If it is signed by both parents later, a new birth certificate can be issued with both parents' names.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is an important legal step that can have a positive impact on both the child and the parents involved. Here are some key benefits of establishing paternity:
- Legal Rights: Establishing paternity gives the child legal rights to financial support, inheritance, and benefits such as health insurance or social security.
- Emotional Connection: Knowing the identity of both parents can help the child develop a sense of identity and belonging.
- Access to Medical History: Establishing paternity allows the child to access important medical information from both sides of the family, which can be crucial for healthcare decisions.
- Child Support: Establishing paternity can lead to the establishment of child support, ensuring that the child's financial needs are met.
- Parental Rights: For fathers, establishing paternity grants legal rights to visitation, custody, and decision-making regarding the child's upbringing.
Our experienced Palmdale paternity attorneys at Law Offices of John C. Bigler can guide you through the process of establishing paternity in California and help you understand your rights and responsibilities. today to schedule a consultation.
How to Dispute Paternity in California
If an alleged father wishes to dispute paternity, he can submit to blood or DNA testing. The child's DNA will resemble that of the father and the mother. If the test is ordered by a court, the process can be very expensive for both parties. California courts do not accept any form of private DNA tests but instead require processing by approved testing providers. Paternity is important in any divorce case involving children.
Contact our firm today if you need assistance with a parentage issue in California. Our Palmdale paternity lawyer is ready to assist you! Attorney Bigler is a certified family law specialist and has 25 years of experience with paternity and other family law matters.
To speak with our experienced Palmdale paternity lawyers, give us a call at (661) 368-1181 or contact us online today.
Mr. Bigler, as well as his staff, have my best interests at heart.
- A. Sansfield
-
Who can receive visitation rights?
Visitation is ordered when it is the best interest of the child in California. Supervised visitation is imposed when one parent is abusive or neglectful to the children. Visitation can often be ...
-
What if I was married in another state but I want to file for divorce in California?
If you and your spouse were married in another state, you can file for divorce in California. The only requirement is that either you or your spouse must have lived in the state for six months and in ...
-
What is a first right of refusal?
A first right of refusal in a family law context is the opportunity to care for your children when your ex is unavailable to care for them. Family code section 3040(a)(1) sets out the 'priorities' ...
-
Who can receive spousal support?
Spousal support, formerly known as alimony, is a set amount of money that is paid by one spouse to another in the case of divorce or a legal separation. Whether you are the husband or the wife, you ...
Call 661-368-1181 to Get Started