Aurora Paternity Lawyers

To establish a child’s paternity means to legally determine who the father of the child is – if this is not established at birth. Paternity is an important mechanism for invoking one’s parental rights and responsibilities and for ensuring that your child receives the full benefits of having two parents in his or her life. Establishing paternity is generally considered best for all involved – mother, father, and child. If you have questions or concerns regarding paternity, discuss them with an experienced Aurora paternity attorney today.

Establishing Paternity

When a married couple has a child, the state considers the husband to be the father, and paternity is established automatically at birth. Barring this situation, however, two alternative methods include:

• Both parents sign an Acknowledgement of Paternity form shortly after the child’s birth (this becomes legally binding 60 days after being signed).
• Either the mother of the child, the presumed father of the child, or a legal entity with an interest in the matter requests a court-ordered DNA test to establish the child’s paternity.

The Benefits of Paternity

It is widely accepted that, except in extreme situations, it is in a child’s best interest to have both parents in his or her life. In addition to the emotional support and bonding enjoyed in this familial relationship, however, there are other concrete benefits gained by establishing paternity, including:

• The mother and the child both benefit from the child support generated. The State of Colorado deems that both child’s parents are financially responsible for raising their shared child to adulthood, and child support is the mechanism employed for ensuring that this is the case.
• The child can be included in the father’s employer-provided health insurance coverage, if available.
• If the father is a veteran or receives disability benefits, the child – as the father’s dependent – may also be eligible.
• The father can seek visitation with the child, and thus deepen the parent/child bond. It’s difficult to put a value on a relationship this fundamental and naturally enriching.
• The father can seek joint legal custody, which – if established – would allow him the opportunity to participate in making important decisions on behalf of the child, including decisions about education, health care, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities.
• Once paternity is established, the child has inheritance rights.

As demonstrated, the overall benefit associated with establishing paternity is difficult to deny. While establishing paternity may be a big change for everyone involved, the potential benefits should help alleviate any lingering trepidation.

Contact an Experienced Aurora Paternity Attorney Today

Establishing paternity is an important step in providing your child with all the emotional and financial benefits of having both parents in his or her life. If you’re ready to determine your child’s paternity, the Aurora paternity attorneys at CNL Law Firm, PLLC, have the compassion, experience, and commitment to help you and your child in this important legal endeavor. Our legal team cares about you and your case, so please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at (720) 370-2171 for more information today.