Paternity Attorneys in Longmont
Legal Support for Establishing Parental Rights
Whether you are a mother who needs to secure child support payments or a father fighting to gain legal rights to custody and visitation, the first step may be to establish paternity. This is particularly true in cases where the biological relationship between the father and child is not legally recognized or there is uncertainty regarding parental rights and responsibilities.
Without establishing paternity, mothers may struggle to obtain child support or encounter roadblocks while making custody and inheritance arrangements. Fathers, too, may encounter challenges, whether they be exclusion or an inability to assert their parental rights regarding custody and visitation.
For over 30 years, the family law team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. has helped families overcome 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.
Reasons to Establish Paternity Now
Our Longmont paternity lawyers are skilled at addressing a variety of client needs. Here are some advantages of working with our team to establish paternity:
For Fathers: Gaining legal recognition as a father gives clients the ability to play a more meaningful role in their children’s lives. It also increases their chances of securing favorable divorce outcomes regarding custody or visitation.
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: Everything our family law team does is centered around the best interests of children. Establishing paternity is one more way we empower children, ensuring they gain access to insurance and inheritance benefits, property, or retirement accounts when the father passes away.
Why Families Choose Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C.
When you are navigating changing family dynamics and emotionally-charged conflicts, you need an ally—expert legal partners who will equip you with the tools and legal strategies you need to achieve a swift and fair resolution. That is what the family law team at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. offers. When you work with us you can expect:
- Proven legal expertise: Over the last three decades, we’ve built a reputation on competence and compassion. Our reputation speaks for itself and we encourage youto see what our satisfied clients say about us.
- Expert solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. You are as unique as your case—this is particularly true when it comes to unfortunate domestic violence situations. We will work with you to find a custom solution tailored to your needs and goals.
- A holistic approach to your safety and legal needs: Our Longmont paternity team has deep knowledge of all matters related to family law, and that includes divorce, custody, parenting time rights, and spousal support agreements. Let us step in and advocate on your behalf.
- Compassionate guidance: We believe in efficiency, but not at the expense of kindness and compassion. Our family law attorneys are 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:
- 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.
Compassionate Family Services Since 1989
At Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C., we understand the complexities and sensitivities surrounding family law matters—particularly those related to paternity. Our Longmont family law attorneys are here to provide you with the legal support and guidance you need to address common legal issues and ensure your rights are protected. Your family's well-being is our priority, and we are committed to helping you find the best solutions with competence and compassion.
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