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Marin County Paternity Rights Attorneys

October 10, 2022
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Sound Advice for Unmarried Parents Seeking Paternal Rights

Unmarried parents face special challenges — financial, emotional and legal. There is no “common law” marriage in California. So although a couple has children together, this does not necessarily entitle them to the parental rights of married couples. Additionally, the separation of a child’s unmarried parents can be just as difficult and confusing as two divorcing parents.

If the parents of a child were not married when the mother became pregnant or when the child was born, the child does not have a legal father until parentage is established. So even if a father can prove he is the biological father of a child, if he was never married to the mother, he does not legally have any rights or responsibilities for the child. For that, your parentage must be legally established. Establishing parentage requires obtaining a court order or signing an official declaration of parentage or paternity.

It’s always best if unmarried separating parents can agree amicably on a plan for sharing access to their children. Many parents use mediation to develop a Child Custody and Visitation Agreement. Mediation is a very effective way of jointly reaching this important decision. The attorneys at Warren Major LLP can provide sound legal guidance to help you reach a fair and equitable Child Custody and Visitation Agreement through mediation.

Establishing parental rights through the court

If your situation is contentious with your soon-to-be ex-partner, you may need to defend your right to spend time with you children in court. You’ll have to establish parentage for your child before child custody and visitation will be ordered by a judge.

If you are seeking child support for your child and the father does not admit that he is the parent, the court may order both of you and your child to submit to genetic testing.

Whatever your paternity objectives, the highly regarded family law attorneys at Warren Major LLP will advocate strongly and skillfully on your behalf in and out of the courtroom.

Please contact us to discuss your paternity rights situation.

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What Our Clients Say

    
 
 
         
   Dave Benz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa is very attentive and through.  She has served me both as my attorney in one family law case and then as a legal advisor in a second matter that was resolved pro se.  I highly recommend her.
  
 
        
   Ian Chase 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Warren Major LLP to anyone seeking expert family law advice paired with personalized attention. Warren Major LLP is the ideal firm for anyone seeking a trusted family law advocate that gets results in such a challenging field.
  
 
        
   Clara Porter 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Warren Major LLP. Their approach is smart, professional, and attentive to the individual needs of their clients. Both Marissa and Hillary have impressive academic backgrounds, but more importantly,  they have the requiste skill and years of experience necessary to advocate zealously for their clients and achieve successful results, time and time again.
  
 
        
   Nancy Major 
 
 
 
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   scott jensen 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Marissa Major was instrumental in setting strategy, aligning long term interests and keeping the focus on critical issues to a successful resolution of a very challenging divorce.  I am indebted to her legal mind, fierce protection of her client and relentless support of the best outcome for me and my child.
  
 
        
   Casa California 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service from Major Warren LLP!  Very professional and well priced. Would highly recommend for your legal needs.
  
 
        
   Cata Atria A 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience with Warren Major LLP. We felt supported, listened to, and respected. They are as professional as they are kind, and this was really important to us. Thank you for all you did for us.