When a couple has a child and they are not married, oftentimes paternity is in question. Before formulating orders for child support, custody or visitation rights, a family law judge will want to be sure that paternity is established.
When a child is born to a married couple, it is presumed that her husband is the father. However, in other situations, a mother, who is not married, may file a suit to establish paternity and ensure that her child receives child support. On the other hand, a man may file a paternity suit to establish himself as the father and secure his parental rights. In most cases, the judge will order DNA testing to confirm the identity of the father.
If you have paternity-related questions and concerns, or you are seeking to establish or challenge paternity, contact an experienced Orange County Family Law attorney who can help you understand the complex methods for proving paternity.
