Denver Paternity Attorneys

Establishing Paternity for Child Custody & Support Agreements

If a father was married to the mother of a child at the time the child was conceived or born, it is generally assumed that he is the biological father, and proof of paternity is not required unless this assumption is brought into question. Paternity may also be presumed if the father’s name appears on the child’s birth certificate or if the father has been raising the child as his own for several years.

In cases where unmarried couples have a child, the father’s paternity should be established immediately to protect all parties in the event of dissolution of the parental relationship. Biological parents are legally responsible for a child’s support whether they are married or not. The parents’ rights and responsibilities regarding their children are the same regardless of whether they have ever married.

If you need help establishing paternity for your divorce in Colorado, contact The Harris Law Firm today! Our Colorado paternity lawyers have over 250 years of combined experience. 

What is Paternity?

Paternity refers to the state or condition of being a father, specifically the biological father of a child. It's the legal and social acknowledgment of a man's fatherhood, usually established through biological testing, marriage, or legal recognition. 

In Colorado, there are specific benefits to establishing paternity, including:

• Child support: Once paternity is established, the father can be legally required to provide financial support for the child, including child support payments.
• Access to health insurance: If the father has health insurance coverage, the child may be eligible for coverage once paternity is established.
• Access to medical history: Establishing paternity allows the child to have access to important medical information from both parents, which can be crucial for healthcare purposes.
• Social security benefits: Children may be entitled to social security benefits, such as survivor benefits, through their father once paternity is established.
• Inheritance rights: Children have the right to inherit from their biological parents. Establishing paternity ensures that the child is entitled to inherit from the father's estate.
• Legal documentation: Establishing paternity provides a legal record of the father's relationship to the child, which can be important for various legal matters, such as custody and visitation rights.
• Emotional bonding: Knowing one's biological father can be important for the emotional well-being of the child and the father. It provides an opportunity for the development of a meaningful relationship between them.

How is Paternity Established?

The most common way of establishing paternity is by naming the father on the baby’s birth certificate. All states offer parents the opportunity to voluntarily establish paternity either at the hospital or by signing a certificate of paternity at a later date if the father is not present at the birth.

In cases where a father is not willing to voluntarily sign a certificate of paternity, the mother can go to court to request the enforcement of a DNA test in order to prove the paternity of the child's father.

Who Can File a Paternity Lawsuit?

Both fathers and mothers can file a lawsuit to establish paternity. Many father figures want to spend time with their child and the only way to secure visitation rights is to establish parenthood. Mothers seeking child support from their former partner can petition the court for a DNA test in order to receive financial support.

Protecting a Father's Rights in Colorado

A father does not lose his right to be involved in his child’s life just because the mother tries to keep the child from him. If the mother prevents the father from having contact with their child, the father can seek assistance from the legal system to enforce his rights.

Our Colorado fathers' rights attorneys help clients with the following:

• Establishing paternity through documentation or a DNA test
• Securing joint or full custody of their child
• Creating a visitation plan
• Enforcing court orders for visitation or custody

The Harris Law Firm is passionate about advocating for fathers who want to establish paternity. We believe that, generally, having two parents is far more beneficial for children than having one and we are willing to fight for that belief in and out of court.

No matter the situation, our lawyers are prepared to fight on behalf of you and your children through establishing the identity of their father. Contact us today to get started!