Santa Barbara Paternity Lawyer

Helping Clients Establish Paternity in California

Paternity refers to the legal determination of a father's relationship to a child. It is a determination that is made by the court, and it has very important legal implications. If you are a father who wants to claim paternity of a child, or if you are the mother of a child who is seeking to establish the father's relationship to the child, the help of a family law attorney is highly recommended.

Morales Law, P.C. is here to help you with your paternity issue. Our firm handles cases involving paternity and child support. We understand that these cases can be emotionally challenging. Our attorneys have the experience and the knowledge necessary to help you resolve your paternity issue.

Call us at (805) 422-7966 or fill out our contact form to get started.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity is a legal determination of a father's relationship to a child. In California, paternity can be established by either the mother or the father. In fact, it is the mother who has the legal right to establish paternity. However, if the father wants to establish paternity, he may do so as well. Establishing paternity is important because it means that the father has rights to the child, such as the right to visitation, parenting time, and/or custody.

Paternity can also determine a father's financial responsibility for the child. If paternity is established, then the father will be responsible for paying child support.

Why Do Parents Want to Establish Paternity?

Parents may wish to establish paternity for a variety of reasons. Some parents wish to establish paternity so that the father can have visitation or parenting time with the child. Other parents wish to establish paternity for the financial benefits. In some cases, the mother and father may wish to establish paternity for both reasons.

Process of Establishing Paternity in California

In California, there are two ways to establish paternity. First, the mother and father can sign an acknowledgement of paternity. This document serves as proof that the father is the biological parent of the child. Second, if the mother and father do not sign an acknowledgement of paternity, they may request a paternity test.

If the parents do not agree to sign an acknowledgement of paternity, then a paternity test must be requested. In order to request a paternity test, the mother and father must have a reason for doing so. For example, if the father wants visitation or parenting time with the child, he may request a paternity test so that he can prove he is the biological father of the child.

Once the request for a paternity test is made, the mother and father must submit to a paternity test to a licensed laboratory. The results of the test must be filed with the California Department of Child Support Services. If the test proves that the father is the biological parent of the child, then an acknowledgement of paternity will be issued. This document serves as proof that the father is the biological parent of the child.

Once an acknowledgement of paternity is signed and filed with the court, the father has the right to visitation and parenting time with the child. He may also request to be the legal guardian of the child.

What Are the Legal Ramifications of Establishing Paternity?

Establishing paternity has important legal ramifications. For example, if the mother receives public assistance for the child, then the father may be required to pay child support. This is because the father has a legal responsibility to provide for his child. If the mother receives public assistance for the child, then the father may be required to pay child support.

The other important legal ramification of establishing paternity is that the father may have visitation and/or parenting time with the child. If the mother and father agreed to establish paternity, then the father may request visitation and/or parenting time with the child. If the father wishes to request visitation and/or parenting time with the child, but the mother does not agree, then the father may request a court order to grant him visitation and/or parenting time.

If the mother and father did not agree to establish paternity, and the father wishes to request visitation and/or parenting time with the child, then he must request a court order to grant him visitation and/or parenting time. In all of these cases, our firm can help you request a court order for visitation, parenting time, or custody.

Protecting Your Rights as a Father

Establishing paternity is crucial for fathers who want to protect their rights and responsibilities. Our Santa Barbara paternity lawyers understand the importance of ensuring that fathers have a voice in their child's life. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity or defend against false paternity claims, our experienced attorneys are here to provide the legal guidance and representation you need.

Benefits of establishing paternity for fathers include:

• Legal rights to custody and visitation
• The ability to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing
• Access to important medical and educational information
• Emotional and psychological connection with the child

Don't navigate the complexities of paternity law alone. Contact Morales Law, P.C. today to schedule a consultation with our dedicated paternity attorneys.

Commonly Asked Questions