Paternity Proceedings in California
Perhaps you would like a paternity test to start getting child support payments from the father, for your child. Perhaps you do not believe you are the child's father and you are being forced to submit to a paternity test. Perhaps you want to show you are the father so that you can have visitation rights to your child.
No matter what your paternity issue, family law attorney Debra J. Kay can help. Our law office will listen to your side of the story. We have more than 20 years of experience helping people through emotionally exhausting paternity suits.
Why Establish Paternity?
Our clients establish paternity for many reasons:
- Child Support: mothers or other relatives often need to establish paternity to receive child support from the biological father.
- Fathers' rights: biological fathers have a right to visitation and custody of their children. Establishing paternity can guarantee these rights.
- Child's rights: establishing paternity can give children inheritance rights and change their name on their birth certificate.
- Third-party rights: establishing paternity can increase or decrease third party rights, whether you are the non-biological caregiver, biological grandparents or other relative.
Paternity DNA Tests
In California, there must be a strong likelihood that a man is the father of a child for a court to "adjudicate paternity" (decide who the child's father is). Often, DNA tests are the best way to show paternity.
The court may order paternity DNA tests if you and the other party dispute parentage. If you refuse a DNA test, the court may decide the case against you.
At the law offices of Debra J. Kay, we can make sure the DNA tests are legally binding. We can also examine whether paternity fraud is an issue in your case. We will represent you in court so that your rights as father, mother or child are met.
Your Initial Consultation in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties
Schedule a consultation today with lawyer Debra J. Kay. We can be reached by phone at 805.584.0577 or by e-mail.
Certified Specialist in Family Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization
