Parentage/Paternity
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Parentage/Paternity Lawyers
If you and a partner or former partner have a child together and are not married, your parental issues are addressed through a Parentage Action. Paternity cases involve issues such as establishing parentage, contesting parentage, obtaining DNA testing to determine parentage, parenting issues including allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time, child support, medical insurance, medical expenses and other issues relating directly to the child. Our paternity lawyers and legal team at Gwendolyn J. Sterk and the Family Law Group are dedicated to finding the best legal solutions for the child and family.
How is Paternity Legally Determined?
Generally, voluntary acknowledgment of paternity by the mother and father is the simplest way to determine parentage. Alternatively, either parent can request that a DNA test be performed to verify parentage. Either way, it is important to establish the legal rights of the child.
Unless otherwise noted, a child born to a married couple is legally presumed to be the child of both parents. If another party believes he is the biological father, determining parentage is more complex than a voluntary acknowledgment. A DNA test may be required to override the legal presumption. Other factors may also affect the outcome.
Once paternity is established, legal proceedings for support and allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time may begin. Either parent in Illinois can file an action with regard to parentage issues. If you have a child with an individual who is not your spouse, our paternity lawyers can provide you the necessary information to address your concerns. Even before the birth of your child, you should contact us to discuss your options.
There are many unique considerations that come with matters of paternity & parentage, and our experienced family law team is here to understand the needs of your situation.
There are many unique considerations that come with matters of paternity & parentage, and our experienced family law team is here to understand the needs of your situation.
How is Paternity Legally Determined?
Generally, voluntary acknowledgment of paternity by the mother and father is the simplest way to determine parentage. Alternatively, either parent can request that a DNA test be performed to verify parentage. Either way, it is important to establish the legal rights of the child.
Unless otherwise noted, a child born to a married couple is legally presumed to be the child of both parents. If another party believes he is the biological father, determining parentage is more complex than a voluntary acknowledgment. A DNA test may be required to override the legal presumption. Other factors may also affect the outcome.
Once paternity is established, legal proceedings for support and allocation of parental responsibilities and parenting time may begin. Either parent in Illinois can file an action with regard to parentage issues. If you have a child with an individual who is not your spouse, our paternity lawyers can provide you the necessary information to address your concerns. Even before the birth of your child, you should contact us to discuss your options.
There are many unique considerations that come with matters of paternity & parentage, and our experienced family law team is here to understand the needs of your situation.
There are many unique considerations that come with matters of paternity & parentage, and our experienced family law team is here to understand the needs of your situation.
What You Can Expect
We understand that paternity and parentage issues can be stressful and emotionally taxing, especially in situations with uncooperative partners. This is just the first step in your family law journey, and our legal team dedicates itself to guiding you throughout the entire paternity law process.
Our approachable and skilled legal team also assists with other family law matters:
- Divorce
- Post-decree
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Orders of Protection
- Estate Planning
- Wills & Trusts
- Guardianship
You can contact by emailing our office at info@sterkfamilylaw.com or call (815)-600-8950 and one of our team members will promptly assist you.
Begin Your Journey To Self-Healing
Sterk Family Law Group is a firm of experienced family law attorneys in Orland Park, IL. Contact us to schedule your free family law or estate planning consultation today!