Paternity Attorneys In Los Angeles
The paternity and parentage of a child can affect every aspect of the child’s life, including custody, parenting time, child support, estate matters and many more. The ever-evolving concepts of paternity and parentage are complex and sophisticated issues that need to be addressed by a legal expert.
If you are involved in a dispute or possible litigation involving paternity or parentage of a child, Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers has provided sound legal counsel and representation for parties on both sides of the paternity issue for over 30 years. As to be expected, our attorneys are discreet, always maintaining the strictest codes of ethics and confidentiality in paternity matters. When confronted with a paternity dispute, you should have the top paternity lawyer Los Angeles has to offer. Contact us today to schedule a consultation: 310-750-9510.
Legal Matters Relating To Paternity And Parentage
Legal issues relating to the establishment of paternity affect a broad range of family law matters:
- Domestic partnerships and same-sex relationships
- Cohabitation and nonmarital relationships
- Child relocation
- Tax issues
- Child custody and visitation
- Child support
- Fiduciary duty to disclose financial information
- Uniform Child Custody Jurisdictional Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) interstate custody
Is A DNA Test Required In A Paternity Case?
No, a DNA test is not always a requirement in paternity cases. However, courts do have the authority to order one. A judge can order genetic testing on the court’s own initiative or at a party’s request, as long as the child is born.
If a party refuses to submit to court-ordered testing, the court can rule against them on parentage and enter their refusal into evidence.
Can You Protect Your Privacy In A Paternity Matter In California?
Privacy protections in California paternity proceedings vary depending on the nature of your case. Certain matters, including those involving assisted reproduction and surrogacy, carry specific confidentiality protections under California law that can limit public access to hearings and records.
At Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers, LLP, we handle every paternity matter with strict discretion. Our attorneys can discuss how privacy considerations may apply to your specific situation.
How Can You Contest Parentage?
How you can contest parentage depends on how it was established:
- If you received a Petition to Determine a Parental Relationship: You have 30 days to respond or the court can decide the case without you.
- If you signed a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage: You can cancel it by submitting a Rescission Form to the Department of Child Support Services within 60 days of signing, or by petitioning the court after that window has passed.
- If the court presumed parentage, such as through marriage: You generally have two years from the child’s date of birth to file a challenge.
- If a court judgment established parentage: you may be able to move to have it vacated based on genetic testing, provided you act within two years of learning about the judgment.
Paternity cases are rarely straightforward, and the right approach depends entirely on your specific situation. Our attorneys will move quickly and strategically to protect your position at every stage.
The Benefits Of An Experienced Paternity Lawyer
While on the surface, a paternity case may seem cut and dry, the truth is that each case brings multiple layers of complexity that should never be underestimated.
Our experience and success are based on pairing you with the perfect family law attorney for your specific case, factoring in all the aspects of your situation. Paternity cases require discretion, experience, and expertise. Meyer, Olson, Lowy & Meyers‘ treats every case with the attention to detail and commitment to securing a favorable settlement they deserve. After the consultation, we carefully pair you with one of our experienced Los Angeles paternity lawyers and customize a strategy to get you the best result for your specific case. Call us today: 310-750-9510.
