Trusted Paternity Lawyers Serving Los Angeles County for Over 20 Years
When your parental rights are on the line, you need to work with an experienced Los Angeles paternity lawyer who can handle complicated family law matters.
Does your paternity dispute involve complex issues such as assisted reproduction, surrogacy, or sperm donation? An experienced Los Angeles paternity lawyer understands how courts are making parentage determinations in light of these advancing reproductive technologies.
Understanding How Paternity Is Established in California
Some of the ways that paternity can be established in California include:
Signing a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity under Family Code section 7570
Getting a court order
Obtaining a Judgment of Paternity in a paternity action that has been brought by the Child Support Services Department (CSSD)
When there is a legal issue over a parent-child relationship, a paternity action (or "parentage" action) can be filed by either the father or mother of a child. However, there are situations where paternity is automatically assigned.
Once a court determines the legal parents of a child, a paternity action gives the court authority or the "power" to make other important orders such as:
There are "presumed parents" under California law when:
A man is a child's other parent when he was married to the child's mother when the child was conceived or born
He attempted to marry the mother (even if the marriage was not valid) and the child was conceived or born during the marriage
He married the mother after the birth and agreed whether to have his name on the birth certificate or to support the child
A presumption arises under Family Code 7611(d) where a man is the father of a child if he receives the child into his home and openly holds the child out as his own
Key Benefits of Filing a Paternity Action
If you are an unmarried mother or father, there are some clear benefits to establishing paternity. However, it is important to remember that once it has been established there will be a corresponding obligation to pay child support. At the same time, custody and visitation rights allow a noncustodial parent to be a part of the child's life.
Some other important benefits to consider when establishing paternity include the following:
A child's right to receive financial support from both parents
Social security and veteran's benefits for a child
Obtaining health and life insurance coverage from either parent, if applicable
Securing inheritance rights from either parent for the benefit of a child
Castellanos & Associates, APLC: Your Trusted Legal Partner in Los Angeles Paternity Matters
Are you dealing with a paternity case? Do you need to immediately file a lawsuit to protect your parental rights in Los Angeles? Contact a Los Angeles paternity attorney from Castellanos & Associates, APLC. With over two decades of experience, our Managing Attorney Edwin J. Castellanos can offer you sound legal advice in both English and Spanish.
Need a paternity lawyer in Los Angeles to help you understand your parental rights in California? Contact us today. With affordable and dependable service, we are ready to preserve your rights!
Protecting Your Legal Rights
Why Choose Us
Over 50 Years of Combined Legal Experience
Unique, Formal Training in Finance and in Law
Free Case Evaluations
Bi-Lingual Office and Family Law Attorneys
Offering Your Preference of a Male or Female Attorney
Professional Relationships with Family Court Judges
10.0 Superb Avvo Rating - Top Attorney in Family Law
Serving Clients in Los Angeles for Over 20 Years
“When my case began I saw what attorney Edwin Castellanos and his team was capable of and realized that I was in good hands.”
“When my case began I saw what attorney Edwin Castellanos and his team was capable of and realized that I was in good hands.”
M. Bahena
“I would definitely recommend him to anyone. He was always prepared and would answer all the questions I needed.”
“I would definitely recommend him to anyone. He was always prepared and would answer all the questions I needed.”
Guila C.
“We are so happy with the results and are utmost thankful for his part in our case...”
“We are so happy with the results and are utmost thankful for his part in our case...”
Sergio & Brenda
“This firm was also very good about offering payment options and their legal fees were surprisingly reasonable...”
“This firm was also very good about offering payment options and their legal fees were surprisingly reasonable...”
J.M. Pineda
“If you have any requests or worries in respect to Family Law, Hire this Staff immediately. ”
“If you have any requests or worries in respect to Family Law, Hire this Staff immediately. ”
Jonathan Pineda
“Edwin was there to answer any questions in regards to my adoption”
“Edwin was there to answer any questions in regards to my adoption”
Ronnie M.
“His expertise helped me solve a custody case that benefited my children greatly.”
“His expertise helped me solve a custody case that benefited my children greatly.”
Natalia P.
“They were courteous, professional and extremely kind throughout the whole process.”
“They were courteous, professional and extremely kind throughout the whole process.”
