Westport Paternity Lawyer

Westport, CT Paternity Attorney

Paternity law may seem straightforward, but it can be complex. It is also more than just a legal issue; it is a personal one that can bring many emotions out within families. Paternity goes further than just determining who is the biological father of a child, but extends to issues regarding child custody, support, and inheritance. A Westport paternity lawyer can help you understand your options and seek peace for your future.

schedule a consultation

Call For A Consultation203-254-9877

Why Choose Us?

Paternity cases, a part of family law, include personal issues as well as legal ones. Reich & Truax, PLLC, is aware of the emotional burden that fatherhood issues place on our clients. We provide skilled, considerate representation suited to your objectives, whether you are a father defending your rights, a mother looking for help, or someone dealing with a possible paternity issue.

Additionally, our firm has extensive knowledge of local court procedures, which gives us a competitive edge when it comes to hearings and judicial expectations. We are advocates, not simply lawyers, who help clients navigate a challenging process with empathy, clarity, and accuracy.

Understanding Paternity Matters in Connecticut

In Connecticut, as with many states, paternity refers to the legal process and determination of a child’s father’s identity. This can be accomplished voluntarily or through other means, such as a court order.

Establishing paternity is critical, especially in legal matters, such as determining child custody arrangements, child support, health insurance, inheritance, and legal rights of the father, such as decision-making power for the child’s upbringing.

When the parents of a child are not married at the time of birth, the father does not automatically inherit legal rights or responsibilities. They must either voluntarily acknowledge that he is the father or do so through official documentation. They can also do so through a court order, which often involves DNA testing.

Paternity must be established for the father to petition the court for visitation or custody rights. Additionally, the child or the child’s mother may not receive financial support or assistance without established legal paternity.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services and the family courts, such as Norwalk Superior Court (Stamford-Norwalk Judicial District) or Bridgeport Superior Court (Fairfield Judicial District), typically handle these matters.

The Importance of Paternity in Connecticut

According to the U.S. Census, approximately 20% of the population of Connecticut is under 18 years old. 46.3% of households are headed by married couples, with 35.8% of the population never married. This shows the importance of establishing paternity in the state.

Modern testing has become more accurate, establishing almost total accuracy, while previous testing methods have resulted in only limited accuracy. While established paternity helps the child receive benefits from their father, a man wrongly assumed to be a father may be subjected to years of financial burden and obligation.

Paternity may need to be disestablished in some situations, such as when a man’s name is listed mistakenly on a birth certificate. In order to explain the facts and defend everyone’s rights, including the child’s, this usually calls for court intervention, genetic proof, and knowledgeable legal counsel.

What To Expect During Connecticut Paternity

When trying to establish paternity in Westport, there are a number of steps that individuals must follow. The plan will vary depending on whether or not the parents agree on paternity or not. If both parties agree, they will likely voluntarily sign a form called the Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP). This is often done at the hospital, but parents can also do this at the Department of Social Services.

If the parents do not agree on paternity, the process will be longer, beginning with a petition to the court. After the petition is filed, there will be a court hearing where the judge or court will likely order DNA testing.

This testing is usually brief and scheduled shortly after the hearing. The lab results are delivered soon after. After the results are received, a final hearing may be held to officially establish paternity (or deny it). This process may take a few weeks, depending on the court schedule.

FAQs

Contact Reich & Truax, PLLC, Today

Start down the path to clarity and a sense of peace. Our skilled Westport paternity lawyers are here to assist you in establishing or contesting paternity. To arrange a private consultation and protect your rights and the future of your child, contact Reich & Truax, PLLC.