Paternity & Parentage Actions
Backed by 100+ Years' Experience
Paternity Services in Newport Beach
Legal issues regarding the paternity of a child used to be straightforward. While technology has made the task of establishing paternity even simpler, the law has become much more complex. Nowadays even a non-biological parent may have parental rights and responsibilities.
The Burch Shepard Family Law Group, stays on top of evolving paternity laws. We represent mothers, fathers and putative fathers in parentage actions.
Contact our offices to discuss your matter with an experienced Newport Beach paternity lawyer.
How to Determine Paternity Effectively
For mothers, we can establish the paternity of a father for the purposes of obtaining child support payments. In the case of a biological father, this is done not by a blood test but by scraping some cells from the side of the gums of the putative father and child, in a completely painless procedure. We can then establish paternity in court.
Parentage may be established in other ways as well. The father may acknowledge paternity in a court document or a father may adopt a child. Under California law, a non-biological parent (even of the same sex) may be declared a parent, with responsibility for child support. Our attorneys can take action on your behalf whatever your situation.
Protecting Your Parental Rights
Our firm also represents both biological and non-biological fathers in non-custodial situations. While it may not be possible to establish child custody rights, it may be possible to establish child visitation rights. A successful outcome cannot be guaranteed, but many courts favor the fostering of a positive relationship between a non-custodial father and the child. We can take action to assert unwed fathers' rights.
the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, can answer your questions and address all your needs regarding paternity and parentage matters.
For a consultation with the Burch Shepard Family Law Group, call (949) 565-4158 or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Orange County, including the cities of Newport Beach and Santa Ana.
Navigating Paternity Laws in Newport Beach and Santa Ana
In Newport Beach and Santa Ana, navigating the complexities of paternity can be particularly challenging for families. Local resources, such as the Orange County Child Support Services, provide essential support for parents seeking to establish paternity and secure child support payments. However, many parents may feel overwhelmed by the legal processes involved, especially when it comes to understanding their rights and responsibilities.
In Santa Ana, where diverse family structures are common, non-biological parents may face unique challenges in asserting their parental rights. The local community is rich with resources, but many parents are unaware of their options under California law. Whether you are a non-biological father seeking visitation rights or a mother looking to establish paternity for child support, we are committed to helping you navigate these complexities with compassion and understanding.
By staying informed about local laws and resources, we can help you address your specific pain points related to paternity and parentage actions. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and support you need to make informed decisions for your family's future.
“Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey!”
I just wanted to send you a HUGE thank you for all of your support through this process. I am thrilled with the outcome today and so relieved that this is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your guidance and support through this journey.
Former Client
“I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
“They made the divorce process so much less stressful than it could have been. I would not hesitate to recommend Courtney Shepard and her team to anyone in need of quality representation in their divorce.”
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“True brilliance in action is a site to behold. At this point I am comfortable with everything she was able to help me with, and I know that she will be the first call I make, if I have any other future issues that require the courts intervention.”
Former Client
“THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.”
I am thankful for a attorney Robert, for his wonderful representation. His professionalism, and the way he carries himself with so much authority and knowledge is making this process run Smoothly. The delay in the process has given my children and I time, space, peace of mind and the healing we needed so much, thank you. God knows the right timing and the right results and He sends us the right persons to work things out. You are all a team of wonderful people. Thank you.
What steps are involved in establishing paternity in Newport Beach?
Establishing paternity in Newport Beach involves several steps. First, a biological father can be identified through a painless procedure that collects cells from the gums of both the father and child. This method is often preferred over traditional blood tests. If the biological father acknowledges paternity through a court document, this can also establish legal parentage. Additionally, non-biological parents can gain parental rights through adoption or acknowledgment under California law.
How can non-biological parents assert their parental rights in Santa Ana?
In Santa Ana, non-biological parents can assert their parental rights through various legal avenues. California law allows for non-biological parents, including those in same-sex relationships, to be recognized as legal parents. This can be achieved through adoption or by having the biological parent acknowledge paternity in a court document. Our attorneys at the Burch Shepard Family Law Group are dedicated to helping non-biological parents navigate these complex legal waters, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you can maintain a meaningful relationship with the child.
