PATERNITY RIGHTS AND VISITATION LAWYERS STAMFORD

Siegel, Colin & Kaufman, P.C. provides focused legal advice for all of your family law needs, including paternity and visitation. Our lawyers have represented many parents to determine paternity and set reasonable visitation. Our low-key approach to family law matters means we take all of your concerns to heart and approach each case with personalized attention, while seeking to find a quiet out-of-court solution.

How Is Paternity Established In Connecticut?

There are two methods for establishing paternity of a child born outside of marriage in Connecticut:

  • Acknowledgement of paternity - This form is completed if both parents are in agreement as to who is the father of the child. The form can be completed at the hospital after the birth, or at a later date. Once the form is processed, the father's name is added to the birth certificate.
  • Court-ordered paternity - If the parents do not agree about paternity, a court can determine and order paternity. Genetic paternity testing is used to determine paternity. Paternity cases can take several months to resolve in court.

If the parents are married when the child is born, they are presumed to be the child's legal parents. A divorce does not alter a determination of paternity. Our team of experienced paternity lawyers assists you with all aspects of your paternity case, moving the process along with efficiency and privacy.

Why Is It Important To Determine Paternity?

There are many reasons why it is important to determine paternity.

  • Peace of mind - Whether you are wondering if you are the father or if you are the mother hoping to settle who the father is, paternity answers the questions for everyone involved
  • Child's right to know - The child may someday want to know who his or her father is and have a relationship with him and his family
  • Health reasons - Knowing who the father is means the child has a complete family medical history
  • Benefits - Establishing paternity gives the child the right to inheritance and benefits from the father's Social Security, pension, veteran's benefits or medical insurance
  • Child support - Establishing paternity can be key to resolving difficult child support cases

Our qualified paternity attorneys approach your case with a depth of legal knowledge that assures you your case is handled appropriately.

Can I Take A Paternity Test In Connecticut If I Am Under Age 18?

Yes. Paternity can be established with an acknowledgement of paternity or through a court procedure. Siegel, Colin & Kaufman, P.C. has represented underage parents in paternity cases and are prepared to help you with yours.

What Are My Rights If I Believe I Am The Father But The Mother Refuses To Acknowledge It?

If the mother does not agree to sign an acknowledgement of paternity form, you can begin a case in Connecticut courts to have paternity determined via a paternity test. Our law firm is experienced in representing father's rights and is ready to help you connect with your child.

What Are My Rights To Visitation If I Am The Father?

There is no guaranteed right to visitation. Once paternity is established, the parents can agree on a visitation plan through negotiation, collaborative law or mediation. If they cannot agree, an action for visitation can be brought in court. The judge determines if visitation is in the child's best interests and set a schedule for the parties to follow. The same visitation guidelines that are used in a custody and visitation case are applied after paternity has been established. Our accomplished staff of family lawyers handles your case from paternity testing through custody, visitation and child support, always staying focused on your needs and situation.

Schedule An Appointment With Our Stamford Office

Call Siegel, Colin & Kaufman at 203-326-5145or use our online contact form. Our flexible office hours provide convenience. When you need legal counsel that handles only family law, turn to us.

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Practice Areas

Paternity Rights and Visitation lawyers Stamford