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You never got married, but you do have one child. That child is the most important thing on this earth to you, and you want to make sure it's covered.
Maybe you and the other parent got along okay for years, and now you cannot work anything out anymore. Maybe you lived together and now you have broken up. Suddenly, you're unable to visit your own child!
Or do you worry that if the other parent takes the child away without a court order, they won't bring them back? How do you keep your child out of the middle of disputes while you protect the child's safety and well-being?
Do not wait to protect your rights. Each passing day counts in a paternity lawsuit. Our paternity attorneys in Murrieta are ready to help you through the process to ensure you receive what you are entitled to before time expires.
Paternity cases can be very complicated, sometimes dealing with sensitive issues like child custody, visitation rights, and support. Matters become even more difficult when the parents are unmarried.
This may be where an experienced Murrieta paternity attorney will make all the difference, protecting your rights with your child's best interest at heart.
Bringing a child up can be expensive. How will the two parents be able to help each other? Childcare is paid for by whom? Can you object to the babysitter the other parent selected? These are typical issues that naturally weigh on parents.
These have to be resolved. You share the duty of raising your child even though you are no longer living together. You will want direction on how to cooperate for the future of your child.
In a paternity lawsuit, delaying action can cause you to miss chances to protect your parental rights. Our Murrieta paternity lawyers will help you negotiate these legal obstacles so that both parents fairly support the rearing of their child before important decisions are taken without your input.
When you choose us, you can expect:
We know how personal and impactful family law issues can be. That’s why we’re committed to:
If you’re in need of caring, compassionate help with your divorce or family law case in Murrieta, CA, we’re here for you. Contact us to start the conversation.
A paternity lawsuit is one filed by parents who have children together but have never been married.
The child's natural father is ascertained by a paternity lawsuit; legal rights and obligations are established; child custody and visitation orders are issued; and child support is awarded.
One of the parents has to initiate a paternity lawsuit by showing up before courts. This move starts the legal process, which will finish in a court hearing where decisions about the child are rendered.
Delays in a paternity dispute can be expensive, legally and emotionally as well.
Starting with one of the best paternity lawyers on your side guarantees that your rights are safeguarded at every level and helps to prevent perhaps permanent judgments on the future of your child.
A paternity action is typically filed as a civil lawsuit, not a criminal matter. In most states, including California, paternity actions must be filed before the alleged father’s death.
In posthumous cases, the alleged father must have taken affirmative steps to acknowledge the child before death. This could include adding his name to the child’s birth certificate or identifying himself as the father in legal actions.
Only certain individuals or parties have the legal standing to bring a paternity action. These include:
The party filing the action will be responsible for submitting supporting documents, paying the filing fee, and serving the responding party with a summons and a copy of the complaint.
When a paternity action is filed, the court reviews the petition to determine if there is sufficient information to justify ordering a paternity test. If required, the mother, child, and alleged father will be tested at a court-designated facility.
If the alleged father is proven not to be the biological father, the cost of the test is typically charged to the party who filed the paternity action.
Once the court makes a determination of paternity, that decision is final. A court order will be issued, establishing the child’s present and future rights and providing legal clarity for all parties involved.
Paternity gives both parents parental rights and duties. This includes the right to custody, visitation, and child support.
Establishing paternity is crucial to the child's well-being beyond legal rights. Knowing their whole family identification gives youngsters stability, self-esteem, and access to essential family relationships and medical history.
After paternity is proved, the child may receive health insurance, Social Security, inheritance rights, and more.
Our skilled Murrieta paternity lawyers can help you establish parentage, petition for custody, or fight a paternity allegation.
Book a consultation immediately to defend your parenting rights.
There is no statute of limitations for establishing paternity in California, but the court can order a paternity test up to two years after the child's birth. Fathers can also petition for paternity up to three years after the child turns 18.
Yes, signing a birth certificate can establish paternity, but it is important to follow up with legal adjudication to secure your parental rights fully.
In certain cases, a mother may refuse a paternity test, but the court can order one to be conducted if the father petitions for it.
Yes, unmarried fathers have parental rights in California, but they must legally establish paternity to enforce those rights.
The timeline for establishing paternity in California can vary depending on the complexity of the case. If both parents voluntarily agree and sign a declaration of parentage, the process can be completed relatively quickly.
However, if the case involves a paternity dispute and requires court involvement, it can take several months, especially if a DNA test is needed.
In most cases, if the court orders a DNA test, the cost may be assigned to the party who requested the test. If the alleged father is proven to be the biological father, he may be required to pay for the test.
If he is not the biological father, the party who filed the paternity action may be responsible for the cost.
In California, once paternity has been legally established, it can be very difficult to challenge. However, in certain situations, such as new evidence from DNA testing, the court may allow a challenge to the paternity ruling.
It’s essential to consult with a family law attorney to explore your options if you believe the paternity determination is incorrect.
f the father refuses to take a court-ordered paternity test, the court may rule in favor of the mother by default. This means the court could declare the man the legal father without further evidence, which would result in obligations for child support and other parental responsibilities.
Yes, establishing paternity is the first step in securing legal rights to child custody and visitation. Once paternity is established, the father can petition the court for custody or visitation, allowing him to be involved in his child’s life.
We provide essential assistance in issues of paternity, guiding you through the complexities of California's family law.
From establishing paternity to obtaining rights of custody and visitation, to receiving child support-we protect your rights and ensure your relationship with your child is legally recognized and preserved.
Starting the paternity action to court hearings, our paternity lawyers will help you through each step of the process while always keeping the best interests of your child in mind.
Our goal is to protect your parental rights, preserve and enhance your relationship with your child, and reach a reasonable solution for your family.
27307 Via Industria
Temecula, CA 92590
