Bakersfield Attorney Experienced with Establishing Paternity in California
Being declared the legal father of a child can come with the responsibility of paying child support. Fatherhood does not necessarily entitle the father to child visitation rights and the ability to enjoy a meaningful relationship with the child, but it may be possible to establish those rights.
The firm of Barbara McDaniel Harris, Attorney at Law, represents both fathers and mothers in paternity actions. In most situations, we can resolve the issue of paternity in an efficient and cost-effective manner. In addition to handling the actual establishment of paternity, we can also help with related issues. For example, we can fight on behalf of a father who wants to establish child visitation rights, or for a mother who wishes to prevent that from occurring.
To arrange for your consultation, call us at (661) 859-1826 or contact us online. Attorney Barbara McDaniel Harris can evaluate your situation and discuss your legal options.
The Paternity Test
A paternity test is a simple and painless procedure. DNA from skin cells of the child and the man presumed to be the father are microscopically compared. If the result is a match, the evidence is presented in a court hearing and legal paternity is established. The mother can then ask the court for a follow-up hearing to obtain child support on behalf of the child. The father can also request a hearing to ask for visitation with the child.
Our firm can represent you in the initial paternity action and in any follow-up court proceedings with the objective of achieving your goals.
Paternity and Father's Rights
Barbara McDaniel Harris is an experienced paternity lawyer who has successfully represented many fathers wishing to achieve visitation with or custody of children borne outside marriage. Courts will grant these rights when it can be shown that doing so is in the best interests of the child. Demonstrating a prior positive relationship with the child is helpful, but it is no guarantee that the Court will grant visitation rights or custody. It is important to keep in mind that even if you do not have a current relationship with your child, you could still be eligible for visitation rights.
For a consultation with Barbara McDaniel Harris, Attorney at Law, call us at (661) 859-1826 or contact us online. Our firm serves clients throughout the Bakersfield area and all of Southern California.
