Paternity Attorney in Irvine, CA

Paternity cases are necessary when the biological parentage of a child is in question. The paternity of a child born to a married couple is assumed, but parents who are unmarried must take steps to establish paternity. If either party is uncertain of the parentage, it’s useful to navigate the process in court. Whether you are filing to assess paternity or want to dispute paternity, an Irvine paternity lawyer is essential to protect your rights and the interests of your family.

Hire a Paternity Lawyer

Paternity can be a sensitive case, greatly impacting your family’s life and day-to-day. It is essential that you work with the right Irvine family law attorney who focuses on paternity for the process. At The Goldberg Legal Group, we provide compassionate and skilled legal representation for individuals and families navigating these family law cases.

Our team has over 18 years of legal experience, and we understand the unique issues that parents deal with when establishing paternity. We strive to provide straightforward legal advice that helps you make informed choices, answers your questions, and eases your concerns. No matter your side in the paternity case, our firm can help you navigate Irvine paternity laws.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity refers to the father of a child. Establishing paternity is sometimes necessary to determine who the biological father of a child is to provide them with legal parental rights. There is an assumption of paternity when parents are married and have a child. A paternity case could be filed in some of the following situations:

• Parents are unmarried and have a child, and want to establish paternity through the court rather than a voluntary form.
• The sole legal and biological parent of a child claims that another person is the other parent, or is unsure of the other parent.
• A child wants to find their biological other parent.

Paternity cases can also be filed by a party who believes they are the other parent, or by a representative for the child. There were 210,326 non-marital family law cases filed with California Superior Courts, which include child custody and paternity cases, from 2023 to 2024. In Irvine, these cases are filed with the Orange County Superior Court through the Family Law Division.

What Are the Benefits of Establishing Paternity in Irvine?

There are many benefits to establishing paternity for both parents and their child. Some of these benefits include:

• Custody: Only biological and legal parents have the right to a relationship with their child, including the ability to request custody or visitation if parents are separated. Legal parents have the right to make decisions for their children, such as where they live, their religious upbringing, where they go to school, and other crucial life choices.
• Financial Support: Both legal parents have a financial responsibility to provide for their child. Establishing paternity gives a child much more financial support in their life. Children also receive other financial benefits, such as Social Security, military, or other benefits, as well as being able to inherit from both parents.
• Child Support: Because parents have a financial responsibility, it also means court orders can be made to provide child support. Establishing paternity can help single parents provide for their children.The average family size in Irvine was 3.11 people per household as of 2024, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 26% of family households had a female householder without a partner present, compared to 16% of family households with a male householder. One in six children benefited from child support in the U.S. in 2024.
• Medical History: Paternity means a child can access the history of their other parent and family, which can help with inherited conditions.
• Emotional Stability: Establishing paternity can help children emotionally to know both their parents and receive support from both. It can help with security and a sense of identity. It can also give a child a larger extended family to connect with.

FAQs About Paternity in Irvine, CA

How Much Does It Cost to Establish Paternity in California?

To establish paternity in California, there is a filing fee of between $435 and $450 if you are filing a petition with the court. This is the cost for a petition and summons, and there are additional fees for temporary order requests. If you are establishing paternity through a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, this is free. The filing fee for the petition could be waived in specific circumstances, such as if you have income under a certain amount.

How Much Does a Paternity Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a paternity lawyer is another important cost to consider when filing for paternity, but each attorney has their own unique fees. Generally, a family lawyer will charge an hourly rate, although more straightforward cases could be charged on a flat fee. Always talk with an attorney about these costs. More experienced attorneys tend to have higher fees, but review the licensure and experience of the attorney, as well.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Paternity Hearing?

It is very beneficial to hire a paternity lawyer for a paternity hearing, especially if there is disagreement between potential parents on paternity. A lawyer helps protect your rights, ensures you file all the right information, and could advocate for you during the hearing. These cases can be very emotional, and legal guidance from a knowledgeable professional can make a significant difference in the outcome of the case and ease your stress.

What Rights Do Fathers Gain Through Paternity Court?

If a father can secure parental rights through paternity rights, there are several rights that both biological and legal parents will have for their children. This includes the right to request orders for custody and visitation. Custody rights mean a parent can make choices like where a child will live and decisions about the child’s life and upbringing. Both parents will also have a financial responsibility for their child.

Contact Our Irvine Paternity Lawyers

Paternity cases can be complex, especially when parties don’t agree on parentage. Whether you are establishing paternity through a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity or through a court process, an experienced attorney at The Goldberg Legal Group can give you exceptional legal advice and representation. Reach out to our firm today and schedule a consultation.