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SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation SANTO MEHAS A Professional Law Corporation
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Paternity Guiding You Through Difficult Times

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:
  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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
  • “I highly recommend them.”
    I knew from the moment I walked into Santos Mehas that I was in good hands. My case was a little unique as we had to get a lot of things done very quickly and that is exactly what Michael and Donna did. PS: Don't let Donnas small stature fool you. She is a force to be reckoned with in the court room. I highly recommend them.
    - Wayne W.
  • “Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
    “Working with Donna Santos and Michael Mehas was such a blessing.”
    - Melissa A.
  • “Donna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorne”

    Donna Santo is a no nonsense, highly professional family attorney. She has many years of experience which I found to be critical when it came to working in the family court system. She has had experience with all the judges and therefore quickly formulates a plan that is realistic, and has the best chance of success. You could not make a better choice to help you through this incredibly difficult situation.

    - Scott
  • “I would trust them with any of my needs”
    “I would trust them with any of my needs.”
    - Ron H.
  • “Then I hired Ventura County family law firm Santo Mehas and everything changed for the better.”
    “Attorney Michael Mehas accomplished something for me and my family that three Los Angeles County divorce lawyers failed to do: he got child support from my ex husband.”
    - Jessica C.
  • “There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”
    “There is no other choice than Michael and Donna!”
    - Gina G.
  • “It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of”

    I needed assistance ASAP! I called many firms & I was turned away due to COVID & the emergency of my case. I contacted Donna & Michael & they were there so fast, helped me prep, told me what to expect, what they needed from me & explained the processes. I highly recommend their services but be prepared to go to battle because Donna & Michael will literally go into that battle & win it. I have had great experiences with them as a professional team & know when I need them they are there to help, guide & support. It’s like a family & they wanna make sure your family is well taken care of. I appreciate them so much. Thank you.

    - Erika
  • “I recommend them”
    Never fun needing to hire a lawyer but Michael and Donna were great to work with and helped to make the process go smoothly. They were both easy to reach, offered clear advice, and were honest in all of their interactions. I recommend them if you find yourself in need of solid legal help.
    - Brian L.