OCFamilyLawGroup.com | Paternity

Paternity

Establishing paternity is crucial for ensuring the legal rights and responsibilities of both parents and children. At the Law Offices of Andrea L. Mersel, we assist clients in navigating the complexities of paternity issues, providing clarity and legal support throughout the process. Serving clients across Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Diego, and San Bernardino Counties, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and the well-being of your child.

Understanding Paternity

Why Establish Paternity?

  • Legal Rights and Responsibilities: Establishing paternity secures a father’s legal rights and responsibilities toward the child.
  • Child Support: Ensures that both parents contribute financially to the child’s upbringing.
  • Custody and Visitation: Grants the father legal grounds to seek custody or visitation rights.
  • Inheritance and Benefits: Secures the child’s rights to inheritance, social security benefits, and other entitlements.

Methods of Establishing Paternity

  • Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity form, often at the hospital after the child’s birth or later through a state agency.
  • Genetic Testing: DNA testing to determine biological paternity. This is a simple and non-invasive procedure that is highly accurate and can conclusively establish paternity.
  • Court Order: A legal determination of paternity through the court system, which may involve genetic testing if paternity is disputed.

Legal Processes and Implications

Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity

Process: Both parents sign a legal document acknowledging paternity, which legally establishes the father’s paternity and allows his name to be added to the birth certificate.

Implications: Once signed, this document establishes the father’s legal rights and responsibilities toward the child.

Genetic Testing

Procedure: This non-invasive test, usually involving a cheek swab from the child and the alleged father, is highly accurate and can be used in court to establish or dispute paternity.

Legal Steps: The results from genetic testing can be presented in court to confirm or challenge paternity.

Court-Ordered Paternity

Filing a Petition: Either parent or a state agency can file a petition to establish paternity, leading to a court hearing where evidence is reviewed.

Court Hearing: A judge may order genetic testing if paternity is disputed, and will issue a paternity order based on the evidence presented.

The Importance of Legal Assistance

Establishing paternity can be a complex legal process with significant implications for both parents and children. At the Law Offices of Andrea L. Mersel, we help you navigate these complexities, protect your parental rights, and ensure that your responsibilities are legally recognized. Our experienced attorneys are committed to achieving fair and just outcomes in paternity cases.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Andrea L. Mersel?

Expertise in Paternity Law: Our attorneys have extensive experience handling paternity cases and understanding their unique challenges.

Comprehensive Legal Support: We offer full legal services to address all aspects of paternity, from voluntary acknowledgment to court-ordered determinations.

Compassionate Approach: We provide empathetic and supportive legal assistance, recognizing the sensitive nature of paternity issues.

Contact Us

For assistance with paternity issues, contact the Law Offices of Andrea L. Mersel today. Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the process and ensure that your legal rights and responsibilities are fully established.

Tell Us About Your Situation

Please contact us locally at 714-544-6622 to schedule a consultation. Our firm is located centrally in Orange County, near South Coast Plaza.

Firm Information

Law Offices of Andrea L. Mersel

3090 Bristol Street, Suite 120
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Map and Directions

Phone: 714-544-6622
Fax: 714-594-4047