Fremont, California, Paternity and Fathers Rights Lawyer
Paternity involves establishing the legal identity of the biological father of a child. In California, paternity is vital in order to preserve a father's child custody rights or to protect a mother's right to child support. In either situation, a parent must go to a family law court to obtain a judgment. Help from a skilled paternity lawyer is key.
At the law offices of David J. Benoun & Jack Benoun, Attorneys at Law we provide highly qualified and experienced legal guidance through the paternity process. To schedule a free initial consultation with one of our attorneys, contact us online today.
Establishment of Paternity
Typically there is no dispute over the paternity of a child. Either the father initially signs a statement acknowledging biological fatherhood, or admits it when requested. If there is disagreement due to conflicting desires for visitation or child support, DNA testing is a commonly accepted method of determining the biological father of a child. Genetic material from the father is carefully examined and compared to the child's for inherited patterns. DNA tests are generally believed to be extremely accurate for establishing paternity.
Legal Significance of Establishing Paternity
Our family law attorneys assist clients pursuing testing and filing petitions with the court to obtain judgments that protect and enforce certain rights and obligations for parents and the child:
- Establish the legal right for a father to pursue child custody and visitation (parenting time) rights
- Provide a child with inheritance rights in father's estate, collect workers' compensation benefits for a father's death or the right to file a lawsuit for the wrongful death of a father
- Hold a father legally and financially responsible for a child and therefore subject to payment of child support
Talk to David J. Benoun & Jack Benoun, Attorneys at Law, Today
Paternity laws are complex, especially when the parents are not married. A man may be presumed to be the father based on cohabiting or an established relationship. Time limits do apply, for this determination to be made one way or the other. If you seek to establish paternity or to challenge a paternity test, we offer the experience and attentive service you need and deserve. Please contact our Fremont, California, law firm for a free initial consultation.
We are located in the U.S. Bank Building — on Paseo Padre Parkway between Kaiser Hospital and Stevenson Boulevard — across the street from the Fremont Courthouse.
