Denver Paternity Lawyers
Building Stronger Families: Paternity Assistance You Can Trust
Whether you are a mother who needs to secure child support payments or a father fighting to gain legal rights to custody and visitation, establishing paternity is often the first step.
With over 30 years of experience, the family law team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. is here to 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. We will fight for your rights, providing personal attention and expert guidance every step of the way.
Our goal is to make the process of establishing paternity as smooth and effective as possible. Contact Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. today to learn how we can support you in your paternity case.
Establishing Paternity in Denver: A Quick Guide For Families
Colorado law has three distinct ways to establish paternity of a child:
- Assumed and automatic: If a child is born while you are married, the law presumes the husband to be the father. However, if there is any doubt about the legitimacy of the biological father, or another individual claims to be the father, this assumption can be challenged in court.
- Voluntary: The process is rather straightforward for parents who aren’t married but agree on who the child’s parents are. To establish paternity, the father and mother must simply complete a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form. This agreement can be challenged in court by either parent within 60 days of filing.
- Court order: If there is a disagreement or uncertainty about who the biological father is, court involvement may be required. This process can involve multiple parties, including the child, as Colorado law permits minors to challenge paternity claims in court.
Compassionate Family Law Services For Over 30 Years
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 built a reputation on competence and compassion. Our track record speaks for itself and we encourage you to see what our satisfied clients say about us.
- Custom Legal Solutions: While we believe in upholding Colorado law, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. You are as unique as your case. We will work with you to find a custom solution tailored to your needs and goals.
- A Comprehensive Approach: Our Denver paternity team has deep knowledge of all matters related to family law. Let us be your guide and ensure you secure a fair and favorable outcome in your case.
- Compassionate Guidance: We believe in efficiency, but not at the expense of kindness and compassion. Our team is dedicated to helping clients overcome common legal obstacles with care.
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:
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 genetic testing to prove 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.
We Simplify Complex Paternity Disputes—the Right Way
While establishing paternity can be intensive—especially if one party does not want to cooperate or does not understand the purpose of it—our experienced team offers strategies to streamline this legal process. Contact Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. today. We are here to guide you through every step of the paternity process, ensuring your rights are protected, and your family’s best interests are served.
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