Paternity And Parentage Actions

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.

Determining Paternity

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.

Asserting 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.