HOW DO I KNOW IF THE BABY’S MINE? A LOS ANGELES PATERNITY ATTORNEY CAN HELP!
Paternity questions can be a tough one to ask, especially since matters of the heart are involved. If there is lingering doubt, then the prospect of the answer can cause great deals of stress for not only one person, bit both parties involved.
Currently, paternity results can be established with absolute certainty through the use of modern DNA testing. This type of testing concludes who is the biological father, however there are some statutory presumptions of paternity in certain cases.
For example, if a father has taken it upon himself to bring a child up into his home and has cared for the child as if it were his own, for a period of time, then the presumption is that he is in fact the father of that child. A presumption can come about when an father willfully signs a voluntary declaration of paternity.
VOLUNTARY DECLARATION OF PATERNITY
“Parents can sign a declaration at the hospital when the child is born. If the parents sign at the hospital, the father’s name will go on the child’s birth certificate, and the mother does not need to go to court to prove who the father of the child is.”- www.courts.ca.gov/1201
FILING A PATERNITY ACTION
Filing paternity actions occur when both parties are either parents together, never legally married, and one of the parents is seeking child support, custody, or a determination of parentage. Both the mother and father can file a Petition to Establish Paternity at any time.
Both parents are legally obligated to ensure proper support is provided for their children, regardless if they are married or not. Once a determination of paternity has been established, then both parties are entitled to make mutual decision regarding the wellbeing and care of their children. This includes shared custody and upbringing of children.
Much like divorce proceedings, both parties involved in paternity actions can settle any issues out of court on their own and submit appropriate documents to the court. This can reduce fees for both court and attorney costs. However, should situations not run smoothly and with mutual understanding, then a Los Angeles Paternity Attorney can step in to handle your case in court and fight for the parties rights. This is not just a matter of both parents getting what they want, but a matter of ensuring the parents children are cared for in the best possible manner.
If you, or someone you know is in need of an experienced and professional Los Angeles Paternity Attorney, then Balali Law is the best option for clear and smooth legal action. Call NOW, for a FREE consultation at: (310) 431-9774. You can contact us online and on social media.