Establishing & Contesting Paternity Issues in Orange County Since 1978
Paternity may be defined as the state of being someone’s father. In family law, it is used to describe the legal state of fatherhood. When paternity is established, a man is recognized as the legal father of a child. He may be responsible for paying child support and may also have custody or visitation rights.
At Sullivan Law & Associates, we have helped men and women across Newport Beach through paternity proceedings. We have helped fathers gain valuable time with their children, have helped mothers secure child support, and have helped challenge unfounded paternity claims.
Whether in establishing or challenging paternity, we have helped shape our clients’ lives and futures. We have fought for their goals and interests, and we are ready to see how we can help you. Ready to find out? Contact a Newport Beach paternity lawyer today at (949) 590-8100.
The Role Of A Paternity Attorney In Orange County
When it comes to your case, our California family law firm is dedicated to guiding you through the process of establishing paternity and understanding the resulting responsibilities of the father. We recognize that every paternity case is unique, which is why your paternity lawyer will provide personalized attention, taking into account the specific circumstances of your situation. Our objective is to swiftly and fairly address your legal needs by identifying, conducting tests, and holding the biological father accountable for the well-being of the child.
How Does Paternity Work in California?
As a leading paternity law firm in California, we are committed to advocating for your rights. Our paternity lawyers in Orange County will promptly assist you in establishing proof of paternity, determining custody guidelines, setting support conditions, and securing visitation rights as deemed appropriate by the courts. The process will unfold in the following phases:
- Locating the alleged paternal father
- Testing the alleged paternal father
- Confirming paternity
Once paternity is confirmed, the child’s overall benefits will be uncovered through:
- Disclosure of the father’s medical records
- Examining inheritance to assets
- Eligibility for the father’s social security or death benefits
- Health insurance coverage through the father’s plan
- Petitioning for child support
- Tax dependency claims for student financial aid
Establishing Parentage In California
Establishing parentage for a child holds significant importance. One crucial reason is that it allows the child to experience the emotional benefits of knowing and identifying both of their parents. Additionally, it grants the child the same rights and privileges as those bestowed upon a child whose parents are married. In the State of California, these legal rights and privileges encompass:
- Financial support from both parents;
- Legal documentation identifying both parents;
- Having the names of both parents on the child’s birth certificate;
- Access to family medical records and history;
- Health and life insurance coverage from either parent;
- The right to inherit from either parent; and
- The right to receive social security and veteran’s benefits, if available.
Top-Tier Paternity Law Expertise
Our team of Newport Beach paternity attorneys understands that not all paternity suits in California require extensive and formal court proceedings to establish accountability. That’s why we approach each case individually, tailoring our strategies accordingly.
In certain circumstances, fathers have the rightful opportunity to establish their interest in visitation rights, challenge adoptions, or even gain custody of their children once paternity is proven. Our dedicated paternity lawyers collaborate with all parties involved to determine the best course of action for the child, once paternity is legally established.
We prioritize the well-being of the child above all else, constantly striving to create the best possible future for them. As such, we are prepared to pursue additional cases in family court, ensuring that the child in question receives the highest quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are a Father’s Rights in California?
In California, there exists a clear legal distinction between a “parent” with enforceable rights to their child and a “biological father.” Once a biological father establishes his parental rights, he gains the legal standing to petition the court for custody and visitation, contribute to or receive child support, and participate in decisions regarding the child’s well-being, spirituality, extracurricular activities, educational options, and more. Once paternity is established, a mother cannot deny the father’s legal rights, except in cases where the court recognizes specific mitigating circumstances.
How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in California?
In California, there is no statute of limitations for establishing paternity under the paternity law. However, if there are any doubts regarding the father’s paternity, the courts have the authority to order a blood test within two years after the child’s birth. Fathers have the option to petition for paternity up until three years after the child’s 18th birthday.
Before reaching any of the statutes of limitation time constraints, parties involved can seek resolution through negotiation. If an alleged father acknowledges paternity or if matters concerning custody, visitation, or child support can be resolved outside of court, it is not necessary to establish paternity through an official court process.
Why Do You Need a Paternity Lawyer in California?
In the state of California, paternity laws are in place to establish the legal father of a child. This is important for a number of reasons, including the fact that the father will be responsible for child support payments.
A paternity attorney can help to establish the paternity of a child, and they can also help to defend the rights of fathers in court. In some cases, fathers may wish to contest the paternity of a child, and a paternity lawyer can provide them with the legal representation they need.
In other cases, fathers may need to establish their paternity in order to gain custody or visitation rights. Regardless of the situation, a paternity lawyer in Newport Beach can help fathers navigate the legal system and protect their rights.
How Does Paternity Impact a Father, Mother & Child?
Paternity will have a significant impact on the life of a father, mother, and child. It will influence:
- Child support: whether a father must pay it and whether a mother or guardian of a child is entitled to receive it.
- Visitation (parenting time): whether a father is entitled to court-ordered visitation time with his child.
- Custody: whether a father has a claim to joint or sole custody of his child.
Call Our Experienced Newport Beach Paternity Lawyers Today
Our Newport Beach paternity attorneys have handled thousands of cases related to establishing and contesting paternity. We know how to navigate our clients through these proceedings with ease, alleviating the stress they may experience if unrepresented or represented by an inexperienced lawyer.
With our reputation and our track record of success in paternity actions, we can competently handle any obstacle that stands in our way to protect your rights. To learn more about how our attorneys can assist you, give us a call at (949) 590-8100 or contact us online.