Paternity Attorneys in Broomfield
We Simplify Complex Paternity Cases
Paternity disputes and unresolved questions about fatherhood can be disruptive and frustrating for both fathers and mothers.
For mothers, questions about the biological father's identity can create uncertainties about the father’s financial support and emotional involvement. To further complicate matters, questions about paternity may also impede the mother’s ability to make important legal decisions regarding custody arrangements and inheritance rights.
Unresolved paternity questions equally impact fathers and can lead to wrongful exclusion, especially for those fathers who wish to provide support and build meaningful relationships with their children.
The family law team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. understands these delicate family dynamics and the frustrations both mothers and fathers may face in paternity cases. This is why so many Broomfield families turn to our expert attorneys.
We will help you establish paternity and resolve even the most complex paternity obstacles. From filing petitions and negotiating child support and custody arrangements to assisting with appeals in paternity rulings, we are here to assist. Contact us today.
Why Clients Partner With Us to Overcome Paternity Challenges
Every paternity case is unique. Clients frequently turn to our experienced family law attorneys for:
For Fathers: Becoming a legally recognized father opens the door to a more substantive role in your child’s life, strengthening your chance of being granted child custody or parenting time rights during a divorce. As part of a custody agreement, a father with paternal rights may also get a fair say in how to raise his child, even if he is a “noncustodial” parent.
For Mothers: Mothers often want to establish paternity to ensure they will be paid child support from the child’s biological father. A mother may also gain access to important insurance benefits her child’s father holds, such as inclusion in health insurance policies.
For Children: The best interests of the child should always be at the heart of every paternity case. Establishing paternity grants the child significant benefits, ensuring they gain access to insurance and inheritance benefits, property, or retirement accounts when the father passes away.
Our Approach to Paternity: How We Help Broomfield Families
Choosing the right team for your paternity case means securing the perfect blend of knowledge, expertise, and compassion. The family law team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. offers exactly that.
- 30+ Years of Experience: Over the last three decades, we’ve helped families overcome even the most complex legal and familial obstacles. We are proud of our work and are dedicated to ensuring you and your family reach a favorable outcome.
- Custom Legal Solutions: While we are committed to upholding the law, we do not believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. You are unique, and so is your family. That’s why we approach every case as if it is our only case. That means custom solutions tailored to your unique circumstances.
- A Comprehensive Approach: Our Broomfield attorneys have deep knowledge of all matters related to family law. From establishing paternity and protecting grandparents’ rights to navigating child custody to establishing prenuptial agreements, we are here to assist.
- Compassionate Guidance: We believe in maintaining efficiency, yet refuse to sacrifice kindness and compassion in the process. Rest assured, we will work with you to reach a swift resolution while ensuring your voice is heard and your needs are met.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can challenge paternity?
Challenging or establishing paternity through the court can be initiated by:
- An individual who believes they are the biological father
- The mother of a child
- The child or personal representative if they are a minor
- A Department of Social Services representative from the child’s birth location
- An incapacitated or deceased individual’s legal representative who believes the individual they represent are the biological parent of a child
When a family law judge is convinced that establishing paternity is a necessity, they can order the suspected father and the child to take a DNA test. The results of the test can be used to legally establish or deny paternity. However, a mere positive paternity test is not always enough in Colorado to establish legal paternity over a child. Other evidence may be required, such as:
- Documentation showing a biological relationship between the alleged father and the child, such as medical records or genetic testing beyond DNA tests.
- Testimony from witnesses who can attest to the relationship between the alleged father and the child.
- Other supporting evidence, such as financial support provided by the alleged father or statements acknowledging paternity.
What are the benefits of establishing paternity?
It benefits the child, the father, and the mother alike. For the child, it provides legal, emotional, and financial support, including rights to inheritance, social security benefits, and access to the father's medical history. For the father, it establishes the legal right to custody and visitation. For the mother, it can secure child support and share parenting responsibilities. Our lawyers can guide you through the process of establishing paternity to ensure that all parties' rights are protected and upheld.
Can paternity be challenged or disputed?
Yes, especially if new evidence emerges that could question the previously established paternity. The process typically involves filing a petition with the court to either establish or disprove paternity, often accompanied by genetic testing. Challenging paternity can have significant legal and emotional implications, and our attorneys can provide the necessary legal guidance and support throughout this complex process.
What happens if I am named the father, but I believe I am not?
In such cases, it's crucial to take legal action immediately to dispute paternity. This usually requires undergoing genetic testing to prove that you are not the biological father. Failing to challenge paternity within a certain timeframe could lead to permanent legal responsibilities for the child, including child support obligations, regardless of biological relation.
How does paternity affect child support and custody decisions?
Once paternity is established, the father has both rights and obligations regarding the child. This includes the obligation to provide financial support and the right to seek a role in decision-making or visitation. Child support amounts are determined based on both parents' incomes, the child's needs, and custody arrangements. Our lawyers can help ensure that paternity determinations are accurately made and that any resulting child support and custody agreements are fair and in the best interest of the child.
Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. Guiding Families to Positive Custody Solutions
Navigating paternity alone can be complex and emotionally challenging. If you need compassionate guidance, our experienced team is here to guide you through the process. Let our trusted Broomfield family law attorneys advocate for your family and secure a positive outcome. Contact us today!
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