Advocating For Your Paternity Rights
Custody and child support issues where the parties are not married to one another are resolved through paternity actions. In addition to establishing paternity in cases where it is conceded, our attorneys handle all aspects of paternity matters, including establishing custody and child support orders.
Understanding Paternity In California
A paternity action is a legal proceeding that establishes, confirms or challenges the legal relationship between a parent and a child. In California, this process most commonly applies when parents were never married or when parentage is otherwise in question.
Establishing legal parentage carries lasting consequences for your family. Once courts confirm paternity, they can issue orders addressing custody, visitation and child support. These orders define each parent’s rights and responsibilities and protect the legal interests of the child.
When Is A Paternity Action Necessary?
If you are uncertain whether legal action applies to your circumstances, the family law attorneys at the Law Offices of Ani M. Garikian in Glendale can help you understand your options. A paternity action may be appropriate in several situations, including:
- Parents who were never married: Unmarried parents often need a formal court order to establish the legal parent-child relationship.
- Questions regarding legal parentage: When parties dispute or question parentage, a paternity action provides a formal legal resolution.
- Establishing parental rights: A parent seeking recognized rights over a child must pursue a formal paternity action.
- Seeking child support: California courts establish paternity and issue child support orders through the same legal proceeding.
- Seeking custody or parenting time: Courts address custody or parenting time when legal parentage is established through the paternity action.
Understanding when to take action is the first step toward protecting your family.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
Establishing paternity creates a legal foundation that benefits both parents and children. Taking this important step can make a meaningful difference for your family, such as:
- Clarifying parental rights and responsibilities
- Providing legal certainty for all parties
- Allowing custody and visitation orders
- Supporting the child’s financial well-being
- Protecting the child’s legal interests
Establishing paternity ultimately gives your family the legal clarity needed to move forward.
What You Establish Today Protects Your Child’s Future
Every child deserves the legal security that comes with established parentage. At the Law Offices of Ani M. Garikian, our Glendale family law attorneys bring extensive experience, integrity and compassion to every paternity matter we handle. We hold ourselves to the highest legal and ethical standards. To schedule a consultation with our Glendale office, call us at 818-290-8527 or message us online.