Experienced Paternity Lawyers in Irvine, California
Establishing legal paternity is one of the most important steps a parent can take to protect their rights and ensure their child’s well-being. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father seeking custody and visitation rights, a paternity action provides clarity and legal recognition. At Sullivan Law & Associates, our experienced Irvine paternity lawyers help parents navigate the process of establishing paternity, securing parental rights, and resolving related legal matters.
Why Paternity Matters for Irvine Families
Paternity, or legal fatherhood, creates enforceable rights and obligations for both parents. In California, paternity must be legally established if the parents are not married when the child is born. Without established paternity, a father has no legal custody or visitation rights, and a mother may face challenges obtaining child support.
Our attorneys assist Irvine residents with paternity cases to ensure both parents have the legal standing they need to protect their relationship with their child.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity in California
Establishing legal paternity offers many important benefits for both parents and children, including:
- Legal rights to custody and visitation for fathers
- Eligibility for child support from the non-custodial parent
- Access to health insurance, inheritance, and benefits
- The child’s right to know both parents and build relationships
- The ability to make legal decisions for the child
- Medical history and family background access for the child
Our Irvine paternity lawyers guide parents through this process to ensure that these rights and protections are fully established.
Where Paternity Cases Are Handled in Irvine
Paternity cases for Irvine residents are generally filed at the:
Lamoreaux Justice Center
341 The City Drive South
Orange, CA 92868
This Orange County courthouse handles all family law matters, including paternity actions, custody disputes, and child support cases. Our attorneys regularly represent clients at this courthouse and are familiar with its procedures and expectations.
How to Establish Paternity in California
There are two primary ways to establish legal paternity in California:
- Voluntary Declaration of Parentage: Both parents sign a legal document at the hospital or later that acknowledges the man as the child’s legal father. This has the same effect as a court order.
- Paternity Action in Court: If either parent disputes paternity or declines to sign a declaration, a legal case can be filed. The court may order genetic testing to determine biological parentage.
Our legal team assists with both voluntary and contested paternity actions to protect your parental rights and responsibilities.
Common Reasons for Filing a Paternity Action
Paternity cases often arise for various reasons, including:
- A mother seeking child support from the alleged father
- A father seeking custody or visitation rights
- Disputes over biological parentage
- Questions about inheritance or benefits eligibility
- Protecting a child’s legal relationship with both parents
We represent both mothers and fathers in paternity cases to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected.
Paternity and Child Custody in Irvine
Once paternity is legally established, both parents have equal rights to seek custody and visitation. Courts base custody decisions on what is in the child’s best interests, considering factors such as:
- Each parent’s relationship with the child
- The child’s age, health, and needs
- The ability of each parent to provide care
- The presence of any domestic violence or abuse concerns
Our attorneys help parents present strong custody cases to secure fair, child-focused parenting arrangements.
Paternity and Child Support Obligations
Establishing paternity creates a legal obligation for both parents to support their child financially. The court will typically order child support based on California’s statewide guidelines, which consider:
- Each parent’s income and earning capacity
- Custody and visitation arrangements
- Childcare and healthcare costs
- Other relevant financial factors
Our Irvine paternity lawyers help ensure that child support orders are fair, accurate, and enforceable.
Challenges in Paternity Cases
Paternity cases can be emotionally complex, particularly when there are disputes about parentage or disagreements over custody and support. Our attorneys assist with challenging situations, such as:
- Disputes over biological parentage requiring genetic testing
- Denial of parental rights by the other parent
- False paternity claims
- Complex family dynamics or blended families
- International or out-of-state paternity issues
We provide clear legal guidance and strong advocacy to protect your rights and your child’s well-being.
Irvine Demographics and Paternity Trends
Irvine is a growing, diverse community with many families in non-traditional or unmarried relationships. According to recent data, a significant number of children in Orange County are born to unmarried parents, making paternity cases an increasingly common part of family law.
Our attorneys are familiar with the legal needs of modern families and provide compassionate, results-oriented representation in paternity matters.
Why Irvine Parents Trust Sullivan Law & Associates
Our firm is known for providing trusted legal representation to families across Irvine. Clients choose us for:
- Decades of family law experience, including complex paternity cases
- In-depth knowledge of Orange County family courts and procedures
- Clear, compassionate legal advice tailored to your situation
- Strong advocacy for mothers, fathers, and children’s rights
- Efficient, cost-effective solutions whenever possible
We are committed to protecting your rights and promoting your child’s best interests at every stage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity in Irvine
How do I establish paternity if the other parent disagrees?
If one parent disputes paternity, either party can file a court action. The judge may order DNA testing to confirm biological parentage and issue a legal determination.
Can I get custody or visitation without establishing paternity?
No, legal paternity must be established before a father has the right to seek custody or visitation. Our attorneys help you complete this process and pursue parental rights.
What happens after paternity is established?
Once paternity is confirmed, the court can make orders for custody, visitation, and child support. Both parents then have legal rights and responsibilities regarding the child.
Is a DNA test always required to prove paternity?
Not always. If both parents agree and sign a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, DNA testing is not required. Testing is typically used when there is disagreement.
Speak with an Irvine Paternity Lawyer Today
If you need to establish paternity, protect your parental rights, or secure child support, Sullivan Law & Associates is here to help. Our experienced Irvine paternity lawyers provide trusted legal guidance to resolve paternity matters and ensure your child’s future is secure. Call 949-590-8100 today to schedule a confidential consultation and take the first step toward protecting your parental rights.