Paternity Attorneys in Irvine

Comprehensive Support for Paternity Issues Across Orange County

Irvine paternity attorney Amy Neshanian has nearly 20 years of experience protecting and preserving the rights of individuals embroiled in paternity matters throughout Orange County. A highly experienced negotiator and litigator, she is a Certified Family Law Specialist by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization who has devoted her career to helping individuals resolve their divorce and family law-related matters.

She provides representation to women who want to obtain a judicial determination of parentage, as well as men who are seeking to nullify the signing of a voluntary declaration of paternity, putative fathers who were married to the child’s mother at the time of birth, and others who are challenging parentage of the child or children in question.

When you require skilled legal representation in a paternity dispute, contact Attorney Amy Neshanian at (949) 577-7935 to schedule a consultation with our paternity attorney in Irvine, who possesses an in-depth understanding of the laws pertaining to paternity matters.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity refers to the legal establishment of the identity of a child's biological father. This legal acknowledgment is crucial for various reasons, such as securing the child's rights, determining child support obligations, and facilitating a connection between the child and the father.

At Neshanian Law Firm, Inc., we recognize the sensitivity and complexity surrounding paternity cases. We specialize in navigating the intricacies of paternity law, ensuring that our clients receive comprehensive legal support tailored to their unique situations.

Key Aspects of California Paternity Laws

Parentage must be determined before a family court judge has the legal authority to assign duties, rights, and obligations to a child’s father. In accordance with state law, when a child is born during marriage or within a specific time period after the termination of marriage via death, divorce, or marital nullification, the husband is automatically deemed to be the legal father.

Regarding couples who are not married at the time of a child’s birth, if a voluntary declaration of paternity (which may be rescinded within 60 days) was signed by both parties, the court must still formally establish parentage. After this legal requirement is met, judicial rulings may be issued regarding legal and physical custody, child support, and visitation rights.

Attorney Amy Neshanian represents clients in a broad range of paternity matters, including:

• The judicial determination of parentage
• Defending against allegations of parentage
• Obtaining judicial rulings for support, visitation, and custody
• Disputing or rescinding a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity
• Requesting that parentage be assigned to a non-biological parent in the best interest of the child

When paternity is in dispute, the court will order that the parties submit to a DNA test and will rule accordingly, either confirming parentage and assigning support, custody, and visitation or dismissing the action in its entirety.

Ways to Establish Paternity in California

California law provides clear guidelines for establishing paternity, recognizing the significance of a child's right to know and be supported by both parents. There are several methods through which paternity can be established in the state:

• Voluntary Declaration of Paternity (VDP): This is a straightforward and voluntary process where both parents sign a legal form acknowledging the father's paternity. This document is generally signed at the hospital shortly after the child's birth or can be signed later at a local child support agency.
• Court Order: If there is a dispute or disagreement regarding paternity, either parent can file a legal action to establish paternity. The court may order genetic testing to determine biological parentage. Once the court confirms paternity, it issues a legal judgment establishing the father's rights and responsibilities.
• Marriage: If the parents are married at the time of the child's birth, paternity is automatically assumed. However, if the parents are not married, additional steps may be necessary to establish the father's legal rights.

What Happens If You Fail to Answer a Parentage Summon?

Ignoring a request to establish parentage summons that has been served upon you and failing to file an answer within the mandatory time frame will lead to the issuance of a default finding of paternity, which can be exceedingly difficult to set aside or voided.

If you have been served with notice of a paternity action, it is vital that you hire a lawyer who possesses vast experience handling parentage cases. Irvine Paternity Attorney Amy Neshanian has been helping individuals file for and defend against parentage matters since 2002.

Our Irvine Paternity Attorney Can Help - Dial (949) 577-7935

When you come in for your confidential consultation, we will obtain the information needed to provide you with an honest case analysis and legal strategy. We will work with you every step of the way to implement the best strategy and achieve the optimum resolution. A lawyer whose primary objective is to safeguard her client’s best interests, Attorney Amy Neshanian, will quickly respond to all client emails and telephone calls, and we will strive to keep you up to date regarding the progress of your case. The Neshanian Law Firm, Inc. is centrally located in Irvine and represents individuals in a wide variety of family law matters throughout the region. We also offer free 15-minute phone consultations.

Call (949) 577-7935 today to learn how our Irvine paternity lawyers can assist you with your legal matter.