Manhattan Beach Paternity Attorney

When most people think of paternity, they might imagine a daytime talk show where DNA test results are read aloud. While this is one aspect of paternity, the term encompasses much more in family law. In California, establishing parentage involves legally recognizing who a child’s parents are, which is crucial for matters such as child support and custody disputes. Notably, the law focuses on “legal parents” rather than just “biological parents,” so paternity can be established even without a biological connection.

The process can be quite complex, and that’s why many individuals seek the assistance of a Manhattan Beach paternity attorney from Baghdaserians Law Group. Cases can become even more intricate, as multiple individuals can have legally recognized rights to a child simultaneously. This can complicate financial support, visitation arrangements, and other critical issues. Once paternity is established, the legal parents are granted rights and responsibilities concerning their child. Our experienced Manhattan Beach paternity attorneys at Baghdaserians Law Group can help you navigate these complexities to protect your legal interests.

Who Can File To Establish Paternity

In California, several parties have the right to file to establish paternity, depending on the circumstances of the case. Here’s an overview:

1. The Mother: A mother can file to establish paternity if the biological father has not voluntarily acknowledged parentage or if there is a dispute about who the father is. This action helps secure child support and other legal rights for the child.
2. The Alleged Father: A man who believes he may be the biological father of a child can file to establish paternity. This is often done to secure his legal rights, such as custody or visitation, or to confirm his role as a parent.
3. The Child: In certain situations, a child can request the court to establish paternity, especially if the child is seeking benefits or needs to clarify legal relationships.
4. The State: The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) can also initiate paternity actions, typically in cases where child support is sought but paternity has not been legally established.

Each party can petition the court to establish paternity, which may involve genetic testing or other evidence to confirm biological parentage. Seeking assistance from our Manhattan Beach paternity lawyers can help navigate this process and ensure that all legal rights and responsibilities are properly addressed.

Benefits Of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity provides several important benefits for both the child and the parents. Here’s a detailed look at these advantages:

1. For the Child:
   • Financial Support: Establishing paternity ensures that the child is entitled to financial support from both parents. This includes regular child support payments, which help cover the child’s daily needs, such as food, housing, education, and healthcare.
   • Inheritance Rights: The child gains rights to inherit from the father, including property, money, and other assets. This can provide long-term financial security.
   • Health Benefits: The child may be eligible for health insurance coverage under the father’s policy and other benefits, such as social security or veterans’ benefits.
   • Emotional and Psychological Stability: Establishing a legal relationship with both parents helps the child develop a sense of identity and belonging. Fostering a connection with both parents supports emotional and psychological well-being.
2. For the Parents:
   • Legal Rights and Responsibilities: The father gains legal rights to seek custody or visitation and to make decisions about the child’s upbringing. This includes participation in important aspects of the child’s life, such as education and healthcare.
   • Structured Child Support: Establishing paternity clarifies the father’s financial responsibilities, ensuring a structured approach to child support obligations. This can also protect the father from unexpected financial claims.
   • Legal Protections: Establishing paternity provides legal recognition and protection for the father in case of future disputes, helping to solidify his role and responsibilities as a parent.

Overall, establishing paternity is crucial for securing the child’s rights and ensuring that both parents fulfill their legal and financial obligations, leading to a stable and supportive environment for the child’s development.

Contact Our Trusted Paternity Lawyers in Manhattan Beach

Contact our trusted paternity lawyers in Manhattan Beach at Baghdaserians Law Group today for expert legal guidance on paternity issues. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of establishing or disputing paternity, ensuring that your rights and the child’s best interests are protected. Call us now at (626) 460-9525 to schedule a consultation and get the support you need to resolve your legal matters efficiently.