There is a legal presumption that children born to parents during their marriage or before their marriage are the biological child of those parties. The identity of the child's father is usually not in question. If the parents choose to separate or get a divorce, they will both have a presumed right to share in the allocation of parental responsibilities.

Establishing a father-child relationship (paternity) can become more complicated in cases where parents did not marry each other. Either party can legally question the existence of a father-child relationship before parenting time or the obligation to financially support the child are permanently established. To address these types of problems and ensure the best interest of the child is maintained, it is a good idea to work with an attorney to legally establish paternity and parental responsibilities.

If the parents cannot agree to voluntarily establish paternity, the mother, the presumed father, or the child (or a state or county department of human services or child support agency, if involved with the family) can take legal action to establish paternity. Genetic testing will usually be performed, and after the identity of the child's biological father is confirmed, an order establishing a father-child relationship or paternity may be entered. Then, the parents can then address the remaining allocation of parental responsibilities, including a parenting time schedule, responsibility for decision-making, and financial support.

Understand Your Rights

Get in Touch

Attorney Susan Pesch and the staff at Pesch Law Office PC know the importance of strong parent/child relationships. We are dedicated to helping our clients find solutions that will allow parents to work together to provide for their children's needs. If you are looking to establish paternity for your child and put orders in place that will ensure that they will have the love and support they need, we can advise you of your options and guide you through any legal proceedings that are required. With our help, you can make sure your family will have the tools for success in the years to come.

Contact Our Family Law Attorney Practicing in Weld County

Establishing paternity will not only protect the relationship between a parent and their child and ensure that the child will receive child support, but it can also provide a number of other benefits. A child will also be able to access family medical history, be eligible for benefits such as Social Security through their father, and gain the right to receive an inheritance. If you want to learn more about your options for establishing paternity, Pesch Law Office PC can provide the legal help you need. Contact our law office today. We assist with family law cases in the Denver metro region, including Highlands Ranch, Boulder, Broomfield County, Columbine, Douglas County, Denver, Golden, Arapahoe County, Jefferson County, Weld County, Littleton, and Boulder County.