Get Help From An Experienced Palm Desert Paternity Lawyer
Last updated on March 5, 2024
The legal acknowledgment of fatherhood can shape the dynamics of your parental rights and responsibilities. The circumstances leading to the need for paternity vary from person to person.
If you are a father seeking to assert your rights or a mother looking for clarity on the legal aspects of paternity, we at the Law Offices of Tecla M. Lunak, APC, can help. Our Palm Desert paternity lawyers will help ensure your child’s and family’s well-being and stability.
Why Is It Important To Establish Paternity?
There are several reasons why establishing paternity is paramount. They include:
- Providing legal recognition of the biological father’s relationship with the child
- Determining child custody and parenting time rights for the father
- Giving the child a sense of belonging and identity with their extended family
Establishing paternity is also important to make sure that the child obtains any government benefits they are due through Social Security and inheritances.
What Are Fathers’ Rights In California?
California laws provide fathers with different rights regarding their children. These rights are:
- Right to a parental relationship
- Right to custody and parenting time
- Right to provide financial support
- Right to establish paternity
Work with an attorney for paternity here in Palm Desert if you encounter challenges exercising your rights as a father.
Can A Mother Keep The Child Away From The Father In California?
Until a father has established their paternity, they have no legal right to the child – including when it comes to custody or visitation. Once paternity is established, a father can petition the court for a visitation order and even seek shared custody.
How Is Paternity Established?
The courts of California establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing or court order. An attorney for paternity can:
- Provide legal guidance
- Represent you in court
- Enforce your rights
Working with a Palm Desert paternity lawyer will uphold your rights and those of your child under California law.
Call An Attorney For Paternity Today
At the Law Offices of Tecla M. Lunak, you will feel well-taken care of, respected and treated with individualized attention. Contact us today by calling us at 760-621-6113 or by filling out the online contact form for a case evaluation.