Oakbrook Terrace, Illinois, Attorney for Paternity Actions
When a child is born to parents who are not married, the father is not automatically guaranteed any rights regarding the child. This is a surprise to a lot of DuPage County clients. But the fact is, the court needs to know the identity of the father before bestowing rights and obligations on that person regarding the child.
I have experience in paternity actions and other family law matters. Super Lawyers of Illinois selected me as a 2010 Rising Star, an honor given to only 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state with 10 years or less of legal experience.
How to Establish Paternity Rights for Fathers
Fathers need to establish paternity in order to have any legal say in a child's life and a right to custody and visitation. Similarly, mothers must seek a legal determination of paternity if they want to seek and enforce child support.
There are a few ways to establish paternity in Illinois:
- Being married to the mother of the child at the time of birth or shortly thereafter
- Signing an acknowledgment of paternity form at or after the child's birth
- Filing a successful petition for paternity with the court and/or taking the required DNA tests
I help clients convince the court to officially acknowledge paternity and enforce parental rights in court.
Keeping Parents and Children Together
Children need two parents, even if those parents are not married or cannot get along. By helping parents establish paternity, I am helping them assert their rights so that they can ensure the best interests of their children.
Personalized Legal Representation
When you work with me, I do not pass you off to assistants or paralegals. Although they help me behind the scenes, you will work with me and only me throughout your case.
Contact me for a free initial consultation.
