When it comes to some of the most important aspects of a divorce, child custody, and child support, it is important that the paternity of the child is established. You may need to secure the assistance of a Simi Valley paternity attorney to help you with your case. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, we understand the importance of this process and will work with you every step of the way. Whether you are a child’s mother or father, establishing paternity is an important step.
How is paternity established?
In California, the law assumes that the husband is a child’s father if the parents are married at the time of the child’s birth. However, unmarried couples who have a child must go through added steps to establish a child’s paternity.
Establishing a child’s paternity can be done through paternity DNA tests to determine whether someone is the biological father. These tests may be necessary during paternity lawsuits if the potential father is not taking on parental responsibilities. These tests may also be necessary if a mother is denying a father his rights to the child. However, these tests are not always necessary.
If the parents were unmarried when the child was born but then decide to get married, they can sign a “legitimation form” that says both parents have the rights and obligations they would have had if the child had been born while they were married.
Fathers can also voluntarily assume paternity by signing an acknowledgment and filing it with the family court system.
Why does establishing paternity matter?
Establishing paternity is important for couples because it ensures that their child will get the parental support they need that can be backed up by the court. An experienced Simi Valley paternity lawyer will be able to guide you through the steps of establishing paternity.
While a couple is married, support from both parents is a given. However, in the event of a divorce or separation, the state requires that both parents continue to support their children. Establishing paternity will help ensure the child receives the required child support after separation. It will also ensure that the father maintains their legal child custody and visitation rights.
Establishing paternity will also be necessary for the child to inherit any funds or property from the father.
Once paternity has been established in California, what happens?
Establishing paternity is one step in the process. After paternity has been properly established in California, a judge will issue a court order officially stating who a child’s parents are. This means that both parents named in the court order have all the rights granted to parents in California. It also means they have the responsibilities of parents in the state, such as contributing to a minor child’s welfare.
This has implications for both parents. If a father has been officially named as one of a child’s parents, they can request that a court grant them custody and visitation rights if said rights are being withheld by a child’s mother.
On the other hand, if a father is not contributing to a child’s welfare as they are legally required to in California, a child’s mother can take legal action to ensure they do so. In either circumstance, it is wise to enlist the help of a Simi Valley paternity attorney. They can help establish paternity, and they can help both fathers and mothers navigate any legal matters that may arise after paternity has been officially established.
How Establishing Paternity Impacts a Child
Once more, from a purely legal perspective, properly establishing paternity is very important for a child. It ensures they can receive financial support from both of their parents, can potentially sue for the wrongful death of either parent, can access legal documentation officially stating who their parents are, and much more.
However, it’s also worth noting that properly establishing paternity can have implications regarding a child’s mental and emotional health. Knowing who both of their parents are can play a significant role in a child’s development.
Additionally, studies routinely confirm that children tend to perform well in many different areas of life when two parents are allowed to play an active role in their upbringing. According to federal statistics, when both parents are involved in a child’s life, a child is more likely to perform well academically, avoid problems related to drugs and alcohol, avoid getting into legal trouble, and are less likely to develop such mental health problems as depression. Studies and statistics also reveal that once children reach adulthood, if they were fortunate enough to have two parents involved in their upbringing, their odds of overall career success are greater than they might otherwise be.
Any parent wants to know their child is positioned for a life of happiness and success. Although there are instances when one parent is unfit to play a positive role in the life of their child, generally, data confirms that as long as both parents are responsible and caring individuals, letting each one contribute to raising their children is ideal for all involved.
This is one of the most important reasons to get in touch with a Simi Valley paternity lawyer if there are ever any questions regarding this issue. Establishing paternity may play a key role in nearly all aspects of a child’s future.
We can get the work on your case today
If you are going through a divorce or separation and there are minor children involved, paternity needs to be established. In some cases, this is not a problem. However, in many instances, a paternity dispute occurs and needs to be solved. At the Law Offices of Ronald K. Stitch, we are here to help you establish the paternity of your children so you can move forward. Our certified family law specialists are ready to step in today. When you need a Simi Valley paternity lawyer, you can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling 818-237-4574.