Paternity Lawyers in Ventura

Working in the Best Interests of Your Child in Encino & Ventura

At the Zahn Law Offices, APC, we understand that we live in an era of nontraditional families. Typically, this is a positive and progressive reality; however, it can sometimes lead to confusing and stressful legal proceedings. If you find yourself in need of representation for a paternity case, our Ventura paternity attorneys have experience and extensive accolades to guide you through the proceedings. We also serve clients in Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, and across Southern California.

How Paternity is Established

The most straightforward way to establish paternity is through a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity. This is a document typically signed by the mother and father at the time of the child’s birth. Through signing this document, the parents acknowledge their legal parental rights and responsibilities to the child. At this point, the father’s name will be added to the birth certificate.

The other way to establish paternity is through court. According to California law, several parties have the right to request an order on paternity, such as:

• The mother of the child
• The man who claims to be the biological father of the child
• The man who is alleged to be the father of the child
• Any child support agency providing assistance to the mother
• An adoption agency

Fathers who wish to contest paternity have only two years after the child's birth to file their claims. These claims can include: establishing paternity, a petition to an acknowledgement of paternity, any legal proceedings related to child custody or support, and of course, to contest paternity.

Understanding the Paternity Court Process in Ventura

When a case goes to court, genetic testing can be ordered on the mother, child, and alleged father. The latter’s refusal to comply may be considered evidence of paternity. A legal representative who stands for the child’s best interest will represent the child in court.

In addition to testing for paternity, the court also has the power to order:

• Child support
• Physical and legal custody
• Visitation rights
• Court costs, such as payment for genetic testing and attorney’s fees 

In the case of an unwed mother refusing to allow a biological father from being involved with his child, California law states he has the right to a parental relationship as long as he does not show unfitness as a parent.