Practice Areas

Paternity

Orange County Paternity and DNA TestLawyer

The Law Offices of Wendy L.C. Fountain A PC. assists individuals throughout Southern California with matters of paternity actions. In this sensitive area of the law, it can be an enormous support to have a compassionate and personable attorney advocate for your rights, especially in the event of a heated paternity dispute. With a law firm centrally located in Orange County, we help clients in paternity actions in Rancho Santa Margarita, Aliso Viejo, Newport Beach, Irvine, and Costa Mesa, California, as well as Corona Del Mar, Seal Beach, Anaheim Hills, Tustin, and Orange County.

Establishing Paternity in California

There are several primary means in which one can establish paternity when a child is not born inside a marriage, including DNA paternity testing and voluntary declarations. Typically, the father and mother sign a voluntary declaration of paternity at the hospital, stating the man in question is the legal father of the child. Alternatively if the supposed father denies paternity or is uncooperative, a family law court can order the alleged father to submit to a paternity test in circumstances that indicate a probability that he is the legal father of the child in question. Typically, this will require a court appearance during which it is recommended to have a paternity lawyer represent your interests so that you can be assured the court will order DNA paternity testing.

Establishing paternity will affect many important and fundamental parental rights, primarily in regard to child support obligations and custodial time and visitation and even your attorney’s fees. Please read more about paternity on our Family Law Practice Center.

Voluntary Declarations of Paternity

We additionally help alleged fathers to set aside a voluntary declaration of paternity or to answer an action brought by the mother to set aside his voluntary declaration. In either event, your parental rights could be permanently affected, and you need capable representation to secure your best interests and wishes in regard to the child involved.

If you are required to have paternity established for your and your child’s health insurance or other needs, or otherwise wish to challenge a voluntary declaration of paternity, we can help. Contact Us Now for an initial case evaluation of your best options for an expedient and lasting solution.