Ventura Paternity Attorneys
Fighting for Father's Rights in CA
California paternity cases are called actions to determine parental relationships to establish who the child’s legal father is. You might need to determine paternity in the event you and your partner were not married at the time your child was born. This will need to be established before the father is legally entitled to child custody, child support, or visitation rights. A father has no legal rights or responsibilities to care for his child until paternity has been determined.
As the mother of a child, you might want to establish paternity to obtain a child support order for your child. As the father of a child, you might want to establish paternity to solidify your parental rights. Regardless of the situation, you should speak with an experienced lawyer to help you understand your rights.
How Do You Establish Paternity in California?
You can establish paternity in California by signing a Declaration of Paternity or obtaining a court order. A Declaration of Paternity is a legal document signed voluntarily by both legal parents of the child. Typically, this is signed right after the child is born at the hospital.
If a father is unsure if a child is his, he has the right to ask the court for a paternity test. He should not sign the Declaration of Paternity until he knows the results of this test.
Why Would You Want to Establish Paternity?
The main reason for establishing paternity is to obtain custody of a child.
Additional benefits include:
- The right to inherit from each parent
- Gaining access to family medical history and records
- Health insurance coverage from each parent
Who Can Request a Paternity Order Submission?
A paternity order request can also be submitted through California court. The individuals who can make this type of paternity request are as follows:
- The child’s mother
- The “alleged” father – the man who believes he is the father of the child
- An adoption agency
What Happens if a Married Woman Gets Pregnant with Another Man’s Child?
If a married woman gets pregnant with another man’s child who is not her husband, paternity can get complicated. In California, if a child is born, the couple were married, and they were cohabiting at the time of conception and birth, a presumption arises that the child is a child of the marriage.
The presumption may be challenged within two years of the child’s birth upon application and genetic testing.
Turn to Our Ventura Paternity Lawyers with Your Questions
As you can see, marriage often trumps paternity in the state of California. If you have questions or concerns regarding the paternity of your child, or you need assistance establishing who the father is, contact our experienced lawyers today.
It is important to handle a paternity case as soon as the child is born as these types of cases take a significant amount of time to work through. Matters such as child custody, visitation, child support and financial issues must all be taken into consideration. Do not hesitate to call us today to get started on your case.
Contact us online or call us at (805) 222-7818 to book a consultation to discuss your paternity case.
An Emphasis on Strong Family Values
Our firm places a strong emphasis on the importance of family values. The balance between maintaining these family values and generating a better future for you and your family is one we strive to achieve with each case. Our values consist of:
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Holistic Approach
We aim to resolve conflict so you and your family can move on peacefully. We approach all aspects of a case, including the emotional, financial, and mental components, and advocate with you throughout.
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Collaboration
Collaborative divorce can be a great option for spouses looking to share joint custody of their child/children and the court looks favorably on this decision. When possible, we strive to come to a resolution that will benefit both spouses.
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Children Come First
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
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Compassionate Legal Services
We respect the fact that our clients trust us with important life-decisions. We strive to be as understanding and empathetic as we can with you and treat you like we would treat a close family member.
Our Satisfied Clients
Real Stories from Real People
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“I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone!”
The Santo Mehas team has been exceptional in handling my case. They are very experienced, have given me good advice and representation, and they have worked on my particularly complex case almost as if I were family. They have shown support beyond professionally, but also personally. They have worked with me financially, and are very fair and understanding. I would definitely recommend their firm for anyone who needs family law assistance!- Heather L. -
“Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side.”
If you have to go through divorce and child custody, Santo Mehas is the law firm you want on your side. Both lawyers are very professional and knowledgeable yet caring and want the best for their clients. They work hard for their clients at every level and go above and beyond to make their clients relaxed and comfortable with the family law processes.- Jasmin R. -
“There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”
“There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”- Gina G. -
“A knowledgeable attorney with a strong character and ethical integrity.”
- Donald T.Thank you Michael for everything you have done for me. You are a knowledgeable attorney with a strong character and ethical integrity.
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“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”
“I’d choose her services again without hesitation”- Parker C. -
“Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you.”
Donna is amazing! Very supportive, quick with response and willing to fight for you. She made my proceedings go so smoothly, provided all information and options I needed to decide what was best for me, and is there if I'm in need of any other information. Highly recommend!- Anonymous -
“A+ lawyer!”
- JessIt's been a constant struggle with my son's father, before acquiring Ms. Donna Santo as my attorney, I had no chance to show the courts the stress my ex was causing for me and my son. Ms. Santo and her team have helped me exercise my rights as a mother and legally they have put me in a position to ultimately give my son the best life possible. Her staff was extremely professional and helpful. I was very satisfied with the services I received and I would highly recommend her. She is a good listener and she gave me great advice. Ms. Santo went above and beyond to make sure I fully understood the process and responded quickly to emails and voicemails. She is the greatest lawyer ever.
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“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”
“I highly recommend Donna Santo and the Santo Mehas law firm.”- John J.
