Paternity and Fathers’ Rights Attorney in Philadelphia, PA
When a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother automatically gets full custody of the child. To obtain the legal right to request a custody/visitation arrangement, the father must establish paternity. This can occur voluntarily if both the father and mother sign a “Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity” form in front of a witness.
It can also occur involuntarily through a court proceeding. Either the father or the mother can choose to dispute paternity, in which case the court will most likely order a DNA test for proof. If the court determines that the father is in fact the biological father of the child, his name will be put on the child’s birth certificate and he will have parental rights.
Either party can file a “Petition to Determine Paternity” at the Family Court in order to begin the legal process. A mother can also begin the process by filing a “Complaint for Child Support”.
A Paternity Lawyer Can Help You Establish a Legal Relationship With Your Child
When you have an issue related to paternity, a fathers’ rights attorney at Cohen Family Law Firm, LLC can help you understand your options and guide you through the process. Attorney Scott Cohen assists both fathers and mothers in legal disputes and matters surrounding paternity.
Common reasons for establishing legal paternity include:
- For the father to petition the court for a custody/visitation agreement
- For the mother to petition the court for a child support order
- For the child to benefit from the father’s medical/life insurance benefits or to receive an inheritance from the father if he dies
Discuss Your Case With a Paternity Lawyer and Get the Guidance You Need to Take the Next Step
Do you have questions about your situation and wish to speak with a fathers’ rights lawyer? Call (267) 238-3841 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consult.
While it may be possible to modify it when circumstances change significantly, your child custody agreement will most likely have a long-lasting impact on your life and your relationship with your child.
Nobody expects their marriage to end in divorce, and the process is never easy. There are life-altering decisions that must be made, and even if you think you’re on the same page, disagreements can arise and further complicate the process.
You want to do what is best for your children. Every family faces unique challenges, and you want to find a lawyer who can help you explore your options and find solutions tailored to your needs.