Paternity

Trusted and Experienced Los Angeles Paternity Lawyer

A paternity test is used to determine whether a particular man is the biological father of a child. While a test involving the taking of blood samples is still sometimes used, the most common method of testing is to obtain a small amount of DNA by swabbing the mouths of the man and the child. This testing process is simple and completely painless.

If a paternity test indicates that the man is the biological father, he then becomes responsible for paying child support, as determined by Judicial Council guidelines. He may or may not be entitled to visitation with the child, depending upon the circumstances of the situation.

At our practice, Barry Fischer, Attorney at Law, we have represented numerous men and women in paternity actions in Southern California. Call us at 877-600-4LAW (877-600-4529) or contact us for a free consultation.

Paternity and Child Support

Our firm can help mothers establish the paternity of the father of their child, for the purposes of obtaining child support. We also represent men in cases where they doubt that they are the father, and wish to avoid financial responsibility for the child. In the latter case, a lawsuit usually ensues, in which the mother must demonstrate that she had a reasonable opportunity to become pregnant by the man in question.

In cases where a man knows he is the father, he may also voluntarily admit fatherhood by signing a sworn declaration of paternity.

Paternity and Child Visitation

While biological fatherhood confers responsibility for child support, it does not necessarily grant the father any other parental rights. To obtain child visitation rights for example, he must demonstrate to the court that he has played, or has the ability to play, a positive parental role in the child's upbringing. Our firm represents both fathers and mothers in such cases.

A paternity determination has lasting effects on the father, the mother, and the child. At Barry Fischer, Attorney at Law, we approach these cases with sensitivity, and with knowledge of the lifelong impact these determinations have upon the parties involved.

For a free consultation with Barry Fischer, Attorney at Law, call 877-600-4LAW (877-600-4529) or contact us online.