Central Illinois Paternity Testing Attorneys
There are numerous legal issues for unmarried parents who bring a child into the world. It is common for an unmarried father to sign the child's birth certificate at the hospital when the child is born. Many who do so mistakenly believe nothing further is necessary in order to assure their rights as the child's father. In fact, it is necessary that a court proceeding be filed, and that a court order be entered declaring the father to be the legal parent of the child born to the unmarried parents. Such an order typically sets forth the parenting time and holiday schedule, and makes other financial arrangements for the benefit of the child. The fact that the father has signed the birth certificate does not mean that child support will automatically start for the mother. Legal proceedings are necessary to assure that the needs of the child and both parents are fully addressed.
The law office of Susan H. Butler, P.C., is a family law firm serving clients in Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford Counties in Central Illinois. We have significant experience handling parentage cases (formerly known as paternity actions) for mothers and fathers who have children without being married. We can help our clients secure parental rights, and obtain the support they need to raise their children.
Establishing Legal Parentage
Parentage can be established in family court fairly quickly if the two parents do not dispute the identity of the father. If there is a dispute, then paternity will be established by means of a court-ordered DNA test.
Once parentage is legally established, the parents can request relief for themselves and their child:
- Financial arrangements for the payment of child support, day care expenses and medical expenses can be made.
- Both the father and the mother may seek child custody and/or visitation, and may enter into a Joint Parenting Agreement.
- The child receives rights as the legal child of the father, including the right to inherit.
When you retain the law firm of Susan H. Butler, P.C., you will meet directly with a lawyer who will handle your parentage case from beginning to end. Whether paternity is contested or not, your attorney will serve as an advocate for your interests and those of your children.
Parentage Action Consultation
To arrange a consultation with attorney Susan Butler or attorney Kelly Giraudo, call 309-938-4204 or contact our family law firm online.
