Bakersfield Paternity Lawyer
Serving Parents in Kern, Tulare & Fresno Counties
Paternity cases can be brought forward by both unmarried mothers and fathers. Establishing paternity is the first step needed for an unmarried mother to seek a child support order through the courts. It is also needed for an unmarried biological father to be able to seek custody and/or visitation rights to his child. Paternity may also arise as an issue between married couples where disputes occur over the legitimacy of the presumed father.
At Bobby Cloud Law, we are here to represent both mothers and fathers in paternity suits. We know that these issues, like other family law matters, can be emotional and challenging. With over a decade of experience assisting parents in these cases, we know how to provide the guidance you need at this critical time.
Reach out to Bobby Cloud Law online or at (661) 464-1347 to schedule a free initial consultation with our Bakersfield paternity attorney about your case.
Establishing Paternity in California
When a child is born to married parents, it is automatically assumed that the father is the biological parent of the child and thus his name is put on the child’s birth certificate. If a child is born to unmarried parents, the father must establish his paternity to protect his parental rights. The easiest way to do this is to have both parents sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, usually at the hospital at the time of the child’s birth. Once this is done, the father’s name will be added to the child’s birth certificate.
If the above is not done, either party may initiate a paternity suit that will establish paternity by DNA testing. This then allows the mother to establish child support or the father to establish custody/visitation to be able to play a major role in the child’s life. A man who fails to respond to a petition initiated by a mother to establish parentage may be declared through default by the court to be the father. He will then be obligated to pay child support once an order is established, even if he has left the state.
Establishing paternity has many benefits for the child, including not only financial support but inheritance rights, rights to government benefits, family medical history, and, where a father pursues custody rights, the advantage of having his or her father’s guidance, care, and influence throughout life.
If you need legal assistance with establishing paternity or with the following legal actions of seeking child support or child custody and visitation, we urge you to contact Bobby Cloud Law for competent and compassionate assistance.
What Sets Us Apart?
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We are committed to hard work, dedication, and experience, to help you navigate through the complexities and achieve the best possible outcome for your future
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We will be the ally and advocate who understands the challenges you face and will work with you to devise case resolutions that reflect your unique needs and goals.
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In family law or criminal defense, we fight to ensure your rights are protected and your best interests served throughout the legal process
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Bobby Lee Cloud
"For representation that can help you protect your rights from a wide range of legal challenges, turn to Bobby Cloud Law in Bakersfield. Schedule a free initial consultation with us today."
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