Beverly Hills Paternity Lawyers Helping Fathers Fight for Their Rights
Being a parent is one of the most joyous and difficult experiences in life. While it is easy to recognize the legal rights of mothers by the default of birth, fathers may have a harder time recognizing their rights. The legal father comes in a few different definitions, depending on the situation. Determining paternity is about more than staking a claim that a child is yours. It is based on biology and duties. Are you a blended family? Did you marry a woman with children from a previous relationship? Have you been providing for a child in the role of a father, and now it’s time to establish your parental rights? Being a stepfather is never easy territory, but it is a role worth taking seriously, which is why paternity lawyers are here to help clients find the right solution for their families. Whether you are a stepfather trying to establish your paternal role or a biological father fighting for visitation rights to your child, an experienced paternity lawyer will fight for your paternal rights.
What is a Paternity Lawyer?
Capable of handling other related areas of family law, such as child custody and child support, a paternity lawyer helps clients as they legally determine or deny the biological origins of a child in question. A paternity lawyer may also assist clients in matters of concern following the determination of paternity, such as visitation and child support negotiations. Paternity lawyers are capable of handling the steps and processes involved, such as gathering initial information and paperwork, assisting with how to present financial status to prove stability, acting as a mediator between parties, and most importantly, serving as a representative of their client in a court of law.
How Can a Paternity Lawyer Help Me?
Establishing paternity is a complex process with high emotional stakes for all involved. Paternity often means determining the biological father of the child, but that is not the only circumstance in which a paternity lawyer may be the right legal counsel. For example, paternity outside of biological origin may be debated in a court of law. This would cover complex family dynamics, such as the presumed father of the child (a man married to the mother of the child), acknowledged father (a man not married to the mother of the child and self-confessing himself as the father), and stepfathers (a man who marries a woman with a child born before they married). There is also the unwed father who has a child with a woman he does not marry. All of these different scenarios require the reliable assistance of a paternity lawyer to fight for your rights. If you are a father, establishing your role in a court of law may make it easier to obtain legal child custody, determine child support payments, or determine other legal rights and responsibilities related to your child. Paternity lawyers may also be able to help mothers in determining and establishing paternity for child support.
How Much Does a Paternity Lawyer Cost?
Cost is often a big factor when making the decision to seek any type of legal counsel. While costs may vary based on the state and complexities of the case, paternity lawyers typically charge a flat rate, or they may charge on a case-by-case basis. When working with a paternity attorney, it is always a good idea to discuss the fees from the start, especially if cost is a big concern. Cost should not be a reason to forgo a knowledgeable paternity lawyer. In most instances, the cost of reliable legal counsel may not be as high a figure as some people initially think.
Is a Paternity Lawyer Worth the Cost?
While it may be tempting to skip legal counsel due to costs, the peace of mind a skilled Beverly Hills family lawyer offers fathers typically outweighs the cost. There is nothing more important than family and being a father in any capacity is a gift well worth the cost of legal fees from a reputable paternity attorney. Navigating any type of legal matter can be intimidating, confusing, and taxing. With a paternity attorney there to answer questions and guide clients through the legal process, the idea of fighting for parental rights becomes less complex and potentially stressful.
Fatherhood is a right worth fighting for, and we are here to help. Contact our firm at (310) 271-7675 today to find out how we can help you with this important legal battle.