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San Diego Paternity Lawyer

Establishing Parentage & Legal Parental Rights

IPaternity testn order for a father to exercise his parental rights, paternity must be established. Mothers also need to establish paternity of their child if they wish to receive child support. If you are facing a complex paternity case, you need the assistance of a knowledgeable lawyer.

Our experienced paternity case lawyer in San Diego can help you determine when and how to move forward. At Embry Family Law P.C., we help clients establish parentage for the benefit of the mother, father, and child.

Please contact us by calling (619) 485-6476 to schedule a consultation.

Parentage in California

When parents are married and a child is born, the husband is presumed to be the father. In addition, when they have lived together as a family and the man has demonstrated a commitment to the child, the man is presumed to be the father of the child. Only after parentage is established can the father seek custody rights.

Options for Establishing Paternity

There are two basic ways to establish paternity, either voluntarily or by court order. The easiest way to establish paternity is for both parents to sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity. This form is a legal acknowledgment by both parents that the man is the legal father of the child. If both parents do not agree, a paternity action can be filed in court and genetic testing may be ordered.

A paternity order may be requested by:

  • The mother of the child
  • A man who believes he is the father, also known as the alleged or putative father
  • An adoption agency
  • A local child support agency

Genetic testing may be required to determine the biological father for the purposes of child support, in connection with the mother’s request for public benefits, or when the father wants to be recognized and have parental rights and responsibilities. Establishing paternity offers a variety of benefits to the mother, father, and child. Whether you are the mother or alleged father, it can be helpful to have a San Diego paternity lawyer by your side to guide you through the legal process.

How to Get a Court-Ordered Paternity Test in California

If either parent is unwilling to sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, you will need to get a court-ordered paternity test. The process for getting a paternity test in California is as follows:

  1. Hire an attorney to represent you; this can help accelerate the legal process and help you determine paternity sooner
  2. Your attorney will help you file a petition with the court and serve a summons to the other party, requiring them to respond to the petition
  3. The court will set a hearing date where they will determine whether a trial will occur or if the case will be dismissed
  4. The court may then require the alleged father, the mother, and the child to undergo DNA testing to determine paternity

For court-ordered paternity tests in California, the courts will not accept privately conducted DNA tests, or at-home paternity tests. After the court orders for genetic testing to be conducted, they will then provide both parties with information on how to get a paternity test that is admissible in court. If you need help figuring out how to get a paternity test in California, our attorneys at Embry Family Law P.C. are here to guide you through the process.

Get advice that is specific to your situation in a consultation. Contact us by calling (619) 485-6476 to arrange an appointment.

The Embry Family Law P.C. Team

  • Ben E. Embry Photo
    Ben E. Embry

    Founding Attorney

    Ben was born and raised in Henderson, Kentucky, and attended the University of Kentucky. He did not leave Kentucky until he moved to San Diego to attend law school in 2006. Ben grew up on his father’s farm, doing the things that most “farm boys” do: Plowing the fields, tending the cattle, and harvesting crops, all while leaving enough time to fish in the pond. Working for his father is what gave Ben the work ethic he has today. Despite the fact that farming was in his blood, Ben decided early on ...
  • Cecelia  Reynoso Photo
    Cecelia Reynoso

    Family Law Associate Attorney

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • Nicholas  Montano Photo
    Nicholas Montano

    Senior Paralegal/Office Manager

    Coming Soon!
  • Shyanne  Mortimer Photo
    Shyanne Mortimer

    Litigation Paralegal

    Bio Coming Soon!
  • Daniel  Ledesma Photo
    Daniel Ledesma

    Legal Assistant

    Bio Coming Soon!
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Why Choose Us?

  • Personalized Approach

    We understand that this is your story and it's different than everyone else's. Our approach is catered specifically to what you're currently going through.

  • Exceptional Customer Service

    We understand that what you're going through can be overwhelming at times. When you work with us you're not just a number, you're now part of our family. Your success is our success, we will guide you every step of the way.

  • Certified Family Law Specialist

    Our attorney has been certified by passing the appropriate written examination in Family Law, demonstrated a high level of experience in Family Law, fulfilled ongoing education requirements and has been favorably evaluated by other attorneys and judges familiar with his work.

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