Paternity Attorney in Modesto, CA
Establishing paternity is an essential legal process that determines a child’s biological and legal father. At Scott Mitchell Law, we help parents in Modesto, CA, navigate paternity cases, ensuring that parental rights and responsibilities are properly established. Whether you are a father seeking custody and visitation rights or a mother pursuing child support, our firm provides the legal guidance needed to resolve paternity matters effectively.
The Importance of Establishing Paternity
Paternity must be legally established to secure a father’s rights and responsibilities regarding his child. Once paternity is confirmed, the father gains the ability to petition for custody and visitation, while the child gains access to financial support, inheritance rights, and other benefits. For mothers, establishing paternity ensures they receive child support to help provide for the child’s needs.
Without a legal paternity determination, a father may not have the right to make decisions about the child’s upbringing, and a child may miss out on critical financial and emotional support. Our firm works with both fathers and mothers to protect their legal interests and the well-being of the child.
Methods of Establishing Paternity in California
In California, there are two primary ways to establish paternity:
- Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP) – If both parents agree on the child’s father, they can sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity at the hospital or later through a state agency. This legally recognizes the father without the need for a court order.
- Court-Ordered Paternity – If paternity is disputed, either parent can file a petition with the court. The court may require a DNA test to confirm biological parentage before issuing a legal paternity order.
If you are involved in a disputed paternity case, Scott Mitchell Law can guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are fully protected.
Father’s Rights in Paternity Cases
Once paternity is established, a father has the legal right to seek custody and visitation. Courts generally encourage children to have relationships with both parents unless there is evidence of harm or neglect. We help fathers file for parental rights and create fair parenting plans that support their involvement in their child’s life.
We assist fathers with:
- Filing for joint or sole custody
- Negotiating visitation schedules
- Modifying existing custody agreements
- Enforcing court orders when parental rights are denied
Child Support and Paternity
When paternity is established, the father becomes legally obligated to provide child support. The court calculates child support based on income, custody arrangements, and the child’s needs. If a mother is seeking financial support, we help ensure fair and accurate child support determinations.
For fathers, we ensure that support payments are reasonable and reflect their financial situation. If circumstances change, we assist with modifications to existing child support orders.
Disputing Paternity
In some cases, a man may be incorrectly identified as a child’s father. If you believe you are not the biological father, legal action must be taken quickly to dispute paternity. We assist clients in challenging paternity claims, requesting DNA testing, and filing legal motions to correct any misattributed responsibilities.
Contact Scott Mitchell Law
Paternity cases can have a lasting impact on both parents and children. At Scott Mitchell Law, we help clients in Modesto, CA, establish, dispute, or enforce paternity rights and responsibilities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the necessary steps to protect your legal interests and your child’s future.