Chicago Paternity Lawyer

Chicago Paternity Lawyer

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. It carries significant implications regarding the rights and responsibilities of both the father and the child. In situations where paternity may be disputed, such as in cases of non-married parents, divorce, or separation, it becomes crucially important to establish paternity accurately for the welfare of all parties involved. At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, our team has years of experience in paternity cases and can provide you with the skilled representation you need.

Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity involves legally acknowledging the biological father of a child. In most cases, paternity is established automatically if the parents are married at the time of the child’s birth. However, in situations where the parents are not married, paternity must be established through other means.

There are several ways to establish paternity:

• Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (also known as a “VAP”) which can only be acquired at the Hospital at the time of the child’s birth
• Court-ordered DNA testing 
• Presumption of paternity based on marriage or registered domestic partnership

It is essential to establish paternity as it not only establishes legal rights and responsibilities but also provides the child with access to important benefits such as child support, contributions to child-related expenses (such as school, extracurricular, etc), inheritance, social security, and medical insurance.

Benefits of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity has many important benefits for the mother, father and the child. These include:

• Child support: Once paternity is established, a father can be held legally responsible for providing financial support for their child.
• Contribution to child-related expenses:  Other costs such as education, child care, and extracurricular activities may be acquired.
• Access to medical history: Knowing the father’s identity can provide important information about the child’s medical history, which can be crucial for addressing any potential health issues.
• Inheritance rights: A child has a legal right to inherit from their biological father. Establishing paternity ensures that they are entitled to any inheritance or other assets.
• Emotional and psychological benefits: Knowing the identity of their father can have a positive impact on a child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
• Allocation of parental responsibilities: Establishing paternity can also lead to an allocation of decision-making powers and parenting time, allowing the child to have a relationship with both parents.

Why You Need A Paternity Lawyer

Establishing paternity can be a complex process. Having an experienced Chicago paternity lawyer on your side can help ensure that your rights are protected throughout the proceedings. At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, our team will work tirelessly to gather evidence and present a strong case for paternity. We understand the sensitivity of these cases and provide compassionate and personalized legal services.

In addition to establishing paternity, our skilled team can also assist with other related matters, such as child support and the allocation of parental responsibility. We are dedicated to helping families through these challenging situations and achieve the best possible outcomes.

How We Can Help

At WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, we understand the complexities involved in paternity cases. Our team can guide you through the process of establishing paternity and ensure that your rights and the best interests of your child are protected.

Our approach to family law is proactive and personalized. We understand that each family, and therefore each case, is unique. We prioritize open communication, attention to detail, and the best interests of our clients and their children. Our strong courtroom presence, even in virtual settings, testifies to our dedication to protecting your rights and interests.

We also understand that the legal jargon can often be confusing and intimidating. Therefore, we strive to make the process as clear and accessible as possible for our clients. We take the time to explain each step of the process, ensuring you comprehend your rights, responsibilities, and the implications of each decision.

Contact Us

If you are seeking a reputable paternity lawyer in the Chicago area, look no further than WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, and let us help you through this process. With WARD FAMILY LAW, LLC, you can trust that you are in capable hands.