Paternity Attorneys in Murrieta
Over 44 Years of Family Law Experience
Are you facing challenges from not being sure of the identity of your child’s father? The Murrieta paternity lawyers at the Law Office of Michelle Penna are experienced in handling complicated family law matters. We have successfully handled over 3,000 cases, including cases pertaining to paternity disputes. We are known for building solid defense strategies for mothers who are seeking financial support or health insurance from a legal father, as well as for fathers who desire to overcome a mother’s interference of being a part of their child’s life.
To learn more about your rights in a paternity suit, call our Murrieta family attorneys today at (951) 900-3342or contact us online for a free consultation.
The Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity is very important for the well-being of a child. Besides having the great emotional benefit of knowing both of his or her parents, there are many legal rights and privileges that a child may receive when both parents are identified.
The legal rights and privileges include:
- A birth certificate with the names of both legal parents
- Legal documentation that identifies both parents
- Access to family medical records and history
- Financial support from both parents
- Health and life insurance coverage from either parent
- The right to inherit from either parent
- The right to receive social security and veteran’s benefits
It is important to know that once paternity is established, the courts can only make orders for a name change, child custody, visitation, child support, health insurance, and reimbursement for pregnancy and birth expenses. The simplest way for unmarried parents to establish paternity is by signing a voluntary declaration of paternity. If this method is refused, the other way to establish paternity is by getting a court order for a genetic test.
Normally there is no fee charged to the parents if they elect to have the Department of Child Support Services perform the test. On the other hand, if the court orders the parents to undergo genetic testing, there may be fees amounting to several hundreds of dollars.
Contact Our Qualified Family Lawyers Today
Our Murrieta paternity attorneys are here to assist you through the entire process of settling your paternity dispute. With over 44 years of experience litigating cases just like yours, you can rest assured your case will be in good hands.
For compassionate and dedicated legal representation, call the Law Office of Michelle Penna, at (951) 900-3342.