Glendale Paternity Attorney

Glendale is full of fun activities for families. Whether you enjoy shopping at the Glendale Galleria, catching a show at the Alex Theatre, or exploring nature at the Deukmejian Wilderness Park, there are plenty of activities for families with kids of all ages. If the thought of paternity is ruining your family fun, a Glendale paternity lawyer can help you find answers. If there are paternity concerns, our team can work to resolve them.

Choose the Khalaf Law Group

With over two decades of family law experience, the Khalaf Law Group is dedicated to achieving positive outcomes for our clients. We understand the intricacies and emotional toll paternity cases can have on those involved. Our law firm can provide support and guidance while fighting for your goals and interests. We can keep you fully informed of your legal rights throughout the paternity process.

How Paternity Testing Works

When a forensic science lab receives DNA for a parental match, it follows four rules to determine if the supplied DNA samples are a true genetic match. These rules are:

1. The child cannot have a genetic marker that neither parent has.
2. The child must have inherited a pair of genetic markers from both parents.
3. The child can only have a pair of identical genetic markers if both parents have the same marker.
4. If a marker is present as an identical pair in both parents, the child must also have the genetic marker.

The lab compares the samples from the mother, child, and the alleged father to determine paternity. A value is created using the Combined Paternity Index (CPI). A value threshold for CPI is established, with values above the threshold establishing paternity, while values below the threshold do not establish paternity. Different countries use different threshold values when establishing paternity. In the United States, the threshold is 100.

Steps to Determine Paternity in California

When you want to establish paternity in California, you have to begin the process through the court system. In a parentage case, a judge will establish who the legal parents of the child are. They can also establish custody, visitation, and child support orders during the process.

Numerous forms must be correctly filed, and deadlines must be met. Having a knowledgeable Glendale paternity attorney can make the process easier. There are three main steps:

1. Start the case. Some forms must be completed and submitted to start the process.
   • The case must be filed in the county court where the child lives.
   • Complete forms Petition to Determine Parental Relationship, Summons Form FL-210, and a Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.
   • You may also want to include certain optional forms, depending on the unique circumstances of your case. A skilled paternity lawyer can see if you need any optional forms. They can also determine if any local forms need to be included.
   • If you are asking a judge to decide something, such as paternity, there is an additional form to request a court date.
2. Submit the forms and the necessary filing fees, or request a fee waiver.
   • Notify the other parent. After filing the case, you must notify the other person by having copies of the papers delivered.
   • You cannot serve the papers yourself.
   • Whoever serves the papers for you has to complete a Proof of Service of Summons.
   • You must then file the form with the court.
   • The other person has 30 days to respond to the summons.
3. Finalize the case. The court reviews your submitted forms and makes sure nothing is missing before the case is reviewed by a judge.
   • The judge reviews all the provided information and makes a judgment on the case.
   • If a request to establish parentage was made, the judge provides information on where the test may be conducted, along with who pays for the testing. A court date is then set to review the results.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Paternity Lawyer Cost in California?

A: There is no specific cost for a paternity lawyer in California. Paternity lawyers may charge a flat fee for a paternity case, or they may charge an hourly rate. Factors that affect the overall cost of a paternity lawyer include the case’s complexity, how long it runs, and whether it requires litigation. You may be required to pay a retainer fee upfront before work can begin on your case.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Establish Paternity in California?

A: When you file a parentage Petition with the California courts, you have to pay a filing fee of $435 to the clerk. There may also be additional fees if you are also requesting temporary orders. If you qualify, you can ask the court for a fee waiver. A judge determines who is responsible for paying the fee for the DNA testing.

Q: Does an Unwed Father Have the Same Rights as a Married Father in California?

A: Yes, unwed fathers have the same rights as fathers married to their children’s mother. However, to exercise those rights, he must first establish the legal paternity of his child. Signing a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity can establish legal paternity. If the mother is uncooperative, you may have to get a court order to establish paternity. California’s paternity laws give unwed fathers the right to custody and visitation.

Q: Can I Voluntarily Relinquish My Parental Rights to Stop Paying Child Support in California?

A: No, you cannot choose to relinquish your parental rights solely to avoid paying child support in California. Parental rights termination is only allowed if another individual, usually a stepparent, is seeking to adopt a stepchild or in situations where terminating a parent’s rights is in the best interests of the child. Once child support orders are in place, there are legal repercussions for not paying.

Hire a Paternity Lawyer

Seeking paternity can be an emotionally difficult time. Don’t navigate the process alone. Hire a paternity lawyer from the Khalaf Law Group to guide you through the process and offer support when you need it. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.