Establishing Paternity in California
Westlake Village Family Law Attorney Representing Fathers
Determining the identity of a child's biological father can be beneficial
to all parties involved.
Paternity issues can be addressed with the assistance of an understanding Westlake
Village family law lawyer from Debra J. Kay Attorney at Law. At our firm,
we know that establishing paternity is important and we can help you establish
who the father is as quickly as possible so that you can move forward
with your life or potentially pursue
child support.
The following resources can be useful to understand paternity issues:
Our lead lawyer, Debra J. Kay, is a certified family law specialist who
can provide you and your family with the resolution that you are seeking
for your case. No matter the paternity issue, Debra J. Kay Attorney at
Law can help. Our family law lawyers in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks,
and Ventura County can provide the information and guidance you need.
How is Paternity Established in California?
In the state of California, there are two ways to establish paternity.
- Declaration of Paternity - this is voluntary and is usually signed by both
parents at the hospital shortly after their child has been born. A properly
signed declaration of paternity has the same effect as a court order establishing
parental relationship for the child, without anyone having to go to court.
- Court Order - this is filed when there are disagreements about paternity
and the mother isn't sure that the man is the biological father. A
DNA test may be needed, as well as a court hearing.
How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in California?
If the parents of the child were married at the time of their child's
birth, then the court will assume that the husband is the biological father.
If paternity is being challenged, the father has two years from the time
of birth to do so.
Reasons to Complete a Paternity Test
There are a few reasons someone may request a paternity test be completed.
For fathers, establishing paternity means that you would be able to have
visitation rights with your child, and
custody agreements could be altered. Determining that you fathered the child in question
would enforce your parental rights and access to the child.
Mothers looking to establish paternity on their child's birth certificate
may be able to hold the biological father of the child accountable for
child support. Some parents wish to have both of their names made known
on their child's birth certificate so that the child can be entitled
to inheritance in the future.
DNA Testing
There a few ways that a DNA test can be administered to prove paternity.
The most common form of genetic testing is the mouth swab, for which a
DNA sample is collected from the cheek of the alleged father and the child.
These tests can be given voluntarily or requested by a court to stand
as evidence in family law cases.
Call a Westlake Village & Thousand Oaks Divorce Lawyer
If you are facing a parental dispute and are in need of a family law attorney
in Westlake Village, Ventura County, or the surrounding communities, do
not hesitate to contact Debra J. Kay Attorney at Law right away. Our firm
has 26 years of experience in offering outstanding representation to clients,
and we may be able to assist you as well.
Contact our firm today to schedule
case evaluation with a trusted Westlake Village divorce lawyer now.