Assert Your Legal Rights as a Parent
Paternity is an important issue for both mothers and fathers in California. Parents seeking to establish paternity should secure the assistance of an experienced lawyer, one who can prepare all of the necessary paperwork, request any court-ordered tests needed to identify the father of a child, and provide representation inside the courtroom.
At Trabolsi & Levy, we represent men and women in paternity matters, advising them about their rights and responsibilities. For fathers who are seeking to establish legal rights, a paternity determination is necessary in order to be granted custody rights or to have more input into decisions concerning their children's lives. For mothers who are seeking child support from fathers, a paternity action can legally determine the father of the child and provide a basis for establishing child support obligations.
Paternity and its Relationship to Child Custody and Child Support
Paternity issues are generally tied to other issues involving children, including child support and child custody. When deciding about these issues in the state of California, family court judges strive to determine what is in "the best interests of the child". However, what constitutes the child's best interests is not always clear; it takes an experienced attorney to present the situation in an effective and meaningful way.
Other Issues Related to Paternity
Paternity can be a complex issue, affecting many parts of a family's life. These can include:
- Child Custody, Visitation and Relocation
- Child Support
- Modifications and Enforcement of Court Orders
- Domestic violence
Determining Paternity
A simple DNA test is the usual means of establishing paternity. The test can be court-ordered or voluntary. Our lawyers help clients in either case by arranging for the test and helping them understand the consequences of the result. We educate them about their options and ensure that they are prepared for different or new relationships with their children.
Contact an attorney at Trabolsi & Levy for information about establishing or contesting paternity. Call our Los Angeles-area law firm at 310-584-7714 or toll free at 888-871-6245.
