California law establishes that children born out of wedlock are no different from children born into a marriage in regard to custody rights and support obligations. Thus, when there are questions regarding whether a man is the father of a child in California, establishing paternity is often necessary.
For example, a man may wish to demonstrate they are a child’s father in order to be granted visitation rights. On the other hand, if a man is denying paternity, his mother may wish to prove he is the father so that she can receive child support payments.
Those are just two examples of the types of sensitive matters a Newport Beach paternity attorney at The Law Offices of Teresa A. Beyers can help you navigate. If you’re involved in a Newport Beach paternity dispute, contact our office to learn more about what we can do for you.
Newport Beach Paternity Actions: Custody, Visitation, Or Support
Paternity may be established via a DNA test. Establishing paternity can allow for the following to occur:
- A father who refuses to make child support payments can be found in contempt of court and his wages may be garnished
- A father can be granted the right to see his children, a right that the mother may have denied him in the past
- A court may develop and implement a “step-up” plan so that a father who has not been permitted to see his children can begin entering their lives, with the ultimate goal of visiting them regularly
Newport Beach Paternity Cases: The Importance of Acting Fast
Depending on the specific nature of your paternity dispute, acting swiftly can play a significant role in the outcome of your case.
For instance, perhaps the mother of a child is claiming you owe them child support because you’re the child’s parent. You might have strong reason to believe you aren’t the father.
To prove your case, you could request genetic testing. However, in California, it’s typically necessary to make this request within two years of a child’s birth.
You would thus have to employ another tactic to show why you aren’t a child’s father. For example, you might have to offer evidence showing you were sterile at the time of the child’s conception. This can prove difficult.
That’s just one example. The main point to understand is that delaying contacting a Newport Beach paternity law firm when you’re engaged in this type of dispute can negatively impact your case. Guard against this by reviewing your case with a lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact a Newport Beach Paternity Attorney
Paternity disputes can be very emotionally-fraught. Whether you’re a mother seeking child custody payments from a man who denies being your child’s father, or you’re a father being denied your rights, a Newport Beach paternity attorney at The Law Offices of Teresa A. Beyers can provide the compassionate but aggressive representation you deserve in these circumstances. Learn more about how we can help by contacting us online or calling us at 949-500-8733 today.