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Experienced Cleveland Lawyers For Complex Paternity Cases

When a child is born to parents who have never been married, establishing the baby’s paternity and legally identifying the baby’s father is a crucial step for families. Whether you are a father looking to obtain parental rights and parenting time with your child or seek child support, the family law lawyers at Cavitch Familo & Durkin can provide legal guidance and advice.

Established in Cleveland in 1886, Cavitch Familo & Durkin has served clients in Cuyahoga County and its surrounding communities for generations. Our lawyers provide cost-effective, sophisticated representation while giving each client the personalized attention their case deserves. Our firm’s family lawyers can represent you in a paternity action.

How Is Paternity Established In Ohio?

In Ohio, if a baby’s parents are married at birth, paternity is presumed. If a baby’s parents are not married, paternity can be established in a few different ways, including:

  • Voluntary acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form at the hospital when the child is born. They can also complete this form later at a local child support enforcement agency. This form legally establishes paternity without the need for a court order.
  • Administrative order: If there is any doubt or dispute about paternity, either parent can request genetic testing through the child support enforcement agency. If the test confirms paternity, an administrative support order will be issued.
  • Court order: In cases where paternity is contested, a court can order genetic testing. If the test establishes paternity, the court will issue an order confirming the father’s legal status.

An experienced lawyer can help you understand the different options and facilitate the process for establishing paternity.

Why Is It Important To Establish Paternity?

Establishing paternity has significant legal, emotional and financial implications for families. It is important for both the child and the parents for many reasons, including:

  • Legal rights: Establishing paternity is the first step in acquiring parental rights such as decision-making authority and parenting time with a child.
  • Responsibilities: Once paternity is established, a father often has a legal obligation to financially support their child.
  • Child support: Establishing paternity is essential to securing child support from the father. This support can help provide for the child’s needs, including education, healthcare, work related childcare and daily living expenses.
  • Health benefits: Knowing both parents’ medical histories can be crucial for a child’s healthcare. Establishing paternity ensures access to the father’s health insurance benefits and medical information.
  • Emotional bond: For the child, having a legally recognized father can strengthen their sense of identity and emotional well-being, fostering a relationship with both parents.
  • Inheritance rights: Establishing paternity ensures that the child has the right to inherit from the father and can benefit from Social Security and veterans’ benefits if applicable.

Whenever the court is considering a case that involves a child, the judge will make a decision based on what is in the best interests of the child. It is generally assumed that it is in a child’s best interest to have both parents involved in the child’s life. Every family situation is unique, and every case is different. At Cavitch Familo & Durkin, our family law attorneys will listen to your story and help you assess your legal options in light of what is best for your family.

Consult A Family Law Attorney Lawyer

Our lawyers at Cavitch Familo & Durkin are available for initial consultation appointments. To schedule a consultation, call us at 216-621-7860 or send us a message through our website. We are dedicated to helping our clients move through their legal challenges, and we look forward to answering your questions and telling you more about how we can help you with your case.