Establishing Your Parental Rights
If you are not married, but have a child, a paternity action can be necessary to establish your parental rights. At Polinske & Associates, P.C. we guide parents in Edwardsville, Illinois, and throughout the Metro East area through the division of rights and responsibilities that make up the paternity action process. Contact us to discuss this process and how we can help you establish your parental rights.
Paternity Overview
A paternity action is essentially a child custody case without the issues associated with marriage and divorce. Decision making authority over the upbringing of a child (choice of education, residence, religion, etc.) is generally granted to the primary caregiver, unless an agreement is made to the contrary. Regardless of who is the designated caregiver, establishing paternity will help create clear guidelines for the following:
- Parenting time
- Child support payments
- Insurance
- Tax exemptions
Once fatherhood is established through DNA testing or by other means, the division of rights and responsibilities between parents can begin. We can protect your parental rights in any disputes that arise in these proceedings. As certified mediation attorneys, we are often able to resolve disputes amicably, without the need for costly and time consuming litigation.
Disputing Paternity
Being married at the time a child was born or signing a voluntary acknowledgment at the time of birth can often result in the presumption of paternity. If you do not think you are the father of a child, we can help you dispute your paternity status.
Contact Us
For nearly 20 years, our Edwardsville law firm has served the family law needs of individuals and families throughout the area. To schedule a meeting with one of our experienced lawyers, call us at 618-505-4213 or contact us online.
