Establishing Parentage is Important, Here’s Why
Paternity cases are usually used to determine or confirm the biological father of an underage child when the parents were not registered domestic partners or married at the time of the minor’s birth. Before child custody and child support orders can be obtained from a court, the child’s parentage will usually need to be established first. If you need to establish the paternity of a child, the support of a qualified family law attorney must be sought. The experienced family law attorneys at the RM Law Group, LLP can help you.
The attorneys at the RM Law Group, LLP understand that paternity cases are some of the most emotionally exhausting cases in family law, and they work tirelessly to ensure they provide the best outcome for their clients and their children. As a well-recognized law firm, the attorneys at RM Law Group, LLP work diligently to represent their clients with their children’s best interests and well-being at the forefront of the matter. Consider contacting the firm today to receive a no-obligation consultation.
How Parentage is Established in California
The state’s parentage statutes provide different forms of establishing parentage for parents who were not legally married at the time of the child’s birth. Aside from this, however, the state may also apply the common law of de facto parentage. This means that the person fulfilled a parental role to the child, without being the child’s biological father or adoptive parent.
The steps to establish paternity vary and depend on each unique case. In some cases, the father will first need to be located and be DNA tested to confirm his paternity. In other situations, the child’s parents can agree to the legal rights and simply sign a document to confirm the child’s paternity to the court.
Important Reasons to Establish Parentage in California
It may seem that establishing parentage for an underage child is only necessary when the parents are unable to co-parent the child. Aside from this and the psychological and emotional benefits a child can get from knowing who his or her parents are, establishing parentage can also provide the child with certain rights and privileges, including: Having the name of both parents on his or her birth certificate; Being eligible to obtain health and/or life insurance coverage from the parents; Obtaining legal documentation that identifies both parents; Being able to obtain financial support from both parents; Having access to the parents’ medical records and/or history; Being able to inherit from the parents; and Having the right to receive veteran’s benefits or social security benefits from the parents.
Exceptionally Qualified Paternity Attorneys
Establishing paternity can be important for a child for a number of reasons, including being eligible to obtain health and life insurance coverage. No matter your reason to determine your child’s paternity, it is recommended that you obtain the legal guidance and support of a qualified family law attorney who has experience handling paternity cases.
At RM Law Group, LLP, the exceptionally qualified family law attorneys have helped hundreds of clients with their paternity cases. The firm understands the complexity and sensitivity of these cases; therefore, the firm works tirelessly to ensure their clients obtain the legal representation they deserve. If you have questions about your case or would like to be informed of your rights, consider contacting the firm today for a no-obligation consultation. Call 888-765-2902 or complete the online contact form here.
Jason Martinez is a co-founding partner of RM Law Group, LLP. His practice focuses exclusively on California Family Law and community property division, including litigation and settlement of complex and high-conflict divorce and child custody proceedings. Jason understands that divorce and family law issues have long-term effects on all family members, especially the children.
