The Benefits of Hiring a Paternity Law Attorney
Paternity law is the branch of family law that deals with the establishment of paternity. Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. This can be done either through DNA testing or through a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, which is a signed statement by unmarried parents to establish the child’s legal father.
Establishing paternity can be important for both mothers and fathers. For mothers, it can provide clarity about who is responsible for caring for the child. It can also help to ensure that fathers are financially responsible for their children. For fathers, paternity can provide the legal right to visit and spend time with their children. It can also give fathers a say in decisions about their child’s upbringing.
No matter how paternity is established, it is important to seek legal advice before taking any action. An experienced paternity law attorney can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you understand your options. But what does a paternity lawyer actually do? This blog post will explore the role of paternity law attorneys and the benefits they can provide.
The Many Benefits of Using a Paternity Law Attorney
There are many benefits of hiring paternity lawyers, both for mothers and fathers. Here are just a few benefits of hiring paternity attorneys:
Establish Paternity
A paternity law attorney’s first and most important role is to help establish paternity. Paternity must be established before any other legal rights or obligations can be put in place. If you are a mother and the father is not listed on the birth certificate, a paternity attorney can help you establish paternity through DNA testing or other means. If you are a father and want to establish your legal rights to your child, a family law attorney can help by working with the mother to establish paternity. An experienced family attorney will know which method is best in each situation and can help to ensure that the process goes smoothly.
Legal Representation in Paternity Cases
Paternity law attorneys also provide legal representation in paternity cases. This can be important if there is a dispute between the mother and father about paternity or if one party wants to contest the results of a paternity test. A family law attorney can help protect your rights in these situations and represent you in court if necessary. The decision to hire a paternity lawyer is a personal one, but it is important to know that legal representation is an option if you find yourself in paternity disputes.
Obtain Child Support
If you are a mother and paternity has been established, a family law lawyer can help you obtain child support from the father. The settlement of a paternity case can also include provisions for health insurance and other expenses. In some cases, the father may be ordered to pay retroactive child support, which can be a significant amount of money. Paternity attorneys can also help make sure that the father is paying the correct amount of child support each month.
If you are a mother who is owed child support, a family lawyer can help you collect the payments that you are entitled to. The obligation to pay child support is legal, and it is important to take action if payments are not made. If you are a father who is behind on child support payments, a paternity attorney can help you negotiate a payment plan to catch up. A paternity attorney can also help to set up a payment plan if the father is unable to pay the full amount owed at one time.
Seek Child Custody or Child Visitation
If you are a father who has established paternity, a paternity lawyer can help you seek child visitation or custody rights. In some cases, the court may grant joint legal and physical custody. This means that both parents have a say in major decisions regarding the child and that the child lives with both parents. In other cases, the court may grant one parent sole legal or physical custody. Parenting plans can be complicated, so it is important to have a family law attorney who can help you understand your rights and options under the law and create a plan that is in the best interests of your child.
Modify an Existing Custody Order
If you already have a custody order in place but need to modify it, a paternity lawyer can help. For example, if you have joint physical custody but need to change it to sole physical custody, a family law attorney can file a motion with the court to make the change. Or, if you have visitation rights but the other parent is not following the schedule, a family attorney can help you file a contempt of court action. From the paperwork to documents and evidence filing, a paternity lawyer will help you throughout the modification process.
Protect Your Rights in a Paternity Action
If you are being accused of paternity, a family law lawyer can help you protect your rights. An experienced paternity attorney will know how to challenge the claim and will fight to make sure that you are not ordered to pay child support unless paternity is conclusively proven. Individuals have a right to DNA testing in paternity cases, and a paternity lawyer can make sure that this right is respected. Courts will also consider other factors, such as the relationship between the parties and whether the man has held himself out as the father when making a paternity determination. A paternity attorney can help you present your side of the story to the court.
Ensure That Fathers’ Rights are Protected
In some cases, fathers may feel like they are at a disadvantage when it comes to child custody and visitation. A family lawyer can help ensure that fathers’ rights are protected and they have a fair chance of obtaining the custody or visitation arrangement they want. Single fathers, in particular, may benefit from the help of a family law attorney. The knowledge and experience of a paternity lawyer can be invaluable in these cases. All questions and concerns can be addressed so that fathers know what to expect and what their rights are.
Tips for Choosing the Right Paternity Law Attorney
The results of a paternity case can have a profound impact on your life, so it is important to have an experienced paternity lawyer on your side. Here are some tips for choosing the right family law attorney:
- Ask for referrals from friends, family, or other family law attorneys.
- Ask about the family law attorney’s experience with paternity laws, success rate, and fees.
- Conduct an online search for paternity lawyers in your area who specialize in paternity law.
- Read reviews from past clients to learn about their experiences.
- Schedule a consultation with the family attorney to discuss your case and see if you are comfortable working with them.
Paternity law can be complex, and it is important to have experienced family law attorneys on your side who can guide you through the process and protect your rights. The right family law lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Conclusion
The advantages of hiring a paternity lawyer are clear. If you are involved in a paternity case, whether you are the mother or the father, a paternity lawyer can explain your options and help you navigate the legal process. No matter what the circumstances are, a paternity lawyer can help you protect your rights and interests. Many family law firm offers free initial consultations. Contact multiple paternity lawyers today to learn more about how they can help you.
Paternity Law Attorney on Staten Island, New York
If you are considering establishing paternity, it is important to understand the process and the potential benefits. Soren Law Group is a family law firm on Staten Island, New York. We have been handling paternity law cases for over 20 years. We understand the complex issues involved in these cases and are here to help you through this difficult time.
Soren Law Group has a proven track record of success in paternity law cases, and we are dedicated to protecting your rights. Our knowledgeable and experienced team will work with you to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome in your case. Please contact our office at (718) 815-4500 for more information on our services or to schedule a consultation.
