It is an unfortunate reality that fathers rarely receive preferential treatment in custody disputes and other legal issues involving their children. Regardless of the details of a case, judges often defer to old-fashioned ideas of parenting and make their decisions based on the concept that mothers are inherently better parents. Of course, this is not always the case, and fathers have parental rights too. Before you can even begin to consider custody decisions, however, you must establish your paternity of your child.

You may need to legally establish paternity if you have fathered a child with a mother who you are not currently in a relationship with. It’s possible that the mother is denying your paternity or does not know who the father of her child is and believes you are a possibility. Even if you and the mother are not together, your child deserves to have both parents in their life.

We understand the complexities of paternity cases and can apply our experience to your case. Contact Will Fraley, Attorney at Law today to learn more.

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Establishing Paternity

If you are involved in a custody dispute, establishing your paternity is an important first step to gaining the right to spend time with your child. Establishing paternity allows you to have a relationship with your child and allows your child to have a relationship with you. By establishing yourself as the child’s biological father, you can also provide financial support, health insurance, and other benefits.

Paternity Actions

You may be involved in a paternity action if you are attempting to establish your paternity or if a mother is trying to falsely label you as the father of her child. Correctly establishing paternity is crucial, as the decision made to resolve a paternity action can result in financial and emotional ramifications for every person involved. Whatever your situation is, you should hire an attorney as soon as possible.