Paternity / Fathers' Rights

Sacramento Lawyers: Paternity Actions

Many parties can benefit when the paternity of a child is legally established through a paternity test.

• The child's biological father can gain parental rights, including visitation, and have a say in the child's upbringing.
• The mother can pursue child support payments.
• Men who are unrelated to the child can show they have no legal obligation.
• The child's right to know his or her father, however, is the most important benefit of all.

At the Louder Law Group, our family law attorneys represent all parties involved in paternity actions. The majority of our clients in this area of practice, however, are men seeking to establish the paternity of their children.

Fighting for Fathers' Rights

During pregnancy, an unwed father's rights are non-existent unless they are voluntarily granted by the mother. After a child is born, fathers have rights, but they must fight for them.

Unless you legally establish the paternity of your child, you have no say in his or her upbringing — even if you have lived together as a family for years and financially supported the child. The mother can move away with the children without your knowledge or consent. You do not even have the right to visit your child.

Children's Rights

California law recognizes that it is in the child's best interest to have an ongoing emotional and financial relationship with both parents. Establishing paternity is the first step to achieving this goal.

If you are interested in establishing the paternity of your child, please contact the Louder Law Group today. From offices in Sacramento, we represent clients throughout Northern California.