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Paternity

Paternity Lawyer in Illinois

Sometimes it’s unclear who a child’s legal or biological father is. However, establishing paternity is essential to both parents and the child. Paternity issues are often complex and emotionally draining, making the need for expert legal help almost inevitable. If you are a mother or father with questions about paternity rights and responsibilities or seek to establish or disprove paternity, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced Illinois paternity lawyer. An attorney can explain your legal rights and the paternity process. They can also help protect your rights and present you with your various options.

What is Paternity?

Paternity legally establishes who a child’s father is. It comes with certain rights and responsibilities. Fathers are held accountable for doing their part to support their children financially. If a father doesn’t do this independently, a successful paternity lawsuit can compel him to do so. Paternity also gives fathers the right to child custody and visitation rights. Suppose a mother wants to make an adoption plan. In that case, she can’t follow through unless the father asserts paternity and gives his consent. 

It is also beneficial for the child in several ways. Knowing the identity of their father can give a child emotional and psychological belonging and relief. Once a father establishes paternity, the child is entitled to:

  • Receive aid and shelter from their father
  • Financial support from their father
  • Access personal information about the known health profiles and risks of the paternal family
  • Inherit
  • File a lawsuit for harm or death of the father that results in loss to the child
  • Receive workers’ comp benefits arising from the father’s death, or other dependent-based governmental assistance

Who is The Child’s Legal Father?

Paternity laws are inherently complicated. The legally recognized father may not necessarily be the child’s biological father. Here’s how the law classifies fathers:

  • Presumed Father – A married man who was married to the child’s mother at the time of the conception or birth, or legally accepted as the father to his wife’s baby, or behaved as if the child is his own.
  • Acknowledged Father – An unmarried man who has confessed to being the child’s father.
  • Unwed Father – An unmarried man who has a child with a woman.
  • Stepfather – A man who marries a woman who already had a child from another man.

Each of these types of fathers has its own legal obligations. As such, it’s crucial to have a Orland Park paternity lawyer to advise you accordingly, depending on which category your paternity status falls under.

Why You Might Need a Orland Park Paternity Lawyer

There are several reasons why you might need the services of an experienced Orland Park paternity attorney. The most common reasons are as follows:

  • A mother seeking child support
  • A father wanting to establish paternity
  • A father challenging paternity
  • A mother challenging paternity

If necessary, the courts can order a genetic paternity test to help determine the outcome of these issues. 

Rely on a Compassionate Orland Park Paternity Attorney

Whatever paternity issues you face, a compassionate Orland Park paternity attorney at Dalmares & Associates can help. We know how confusing, emotional, and overwhelming these types of issues can get. We’ve helped many parents just like you get through some of the toughest times in their lives. Let us help you too. Simply contact us today to schedule your paternity case consultation.

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