Establishing Paternity In Everett And Snohomish County
Paternity can be a delicate topic for some people. However, it is important to address issues of paternity head-on in order to preserve your rights and support your children. Issues of paternity usually arise when the parents are unmarried, the father is not named on the birth certificate or there is no paternity affidavit. In order for a father to have visitation and provide child support, paternity must be established.
We are experienced Everett family law lawyers, who understand the personal and financial issues involved in paternity cases. Our lawyers want to help you get through the paternity process without conflict, whenever possible. Talk to us about how we can assist you with an amicable solution, whether you are the mother or putative father. Just call 425-740-2209 or contact our firm online to discuss your case.
Knowledgeable Snohomish Parentage And Parent’s Rights Lawyers
At our law office, Akiona Law, PLLC, we represent mothers and fathers in paternity matters (sometimes called parentage). We explain why establishing paternity is required and how it can be accomplished. We instruct parents about obtaining a copy of the child’s birth certificate or an acknowledgement of parentage (also called a paternity affidavit) from the Washington State Department of Health. If a mother is receiving Washington State public assistance, we talk about the role of the Division of Child Support (DCS).
In short, we walk men and women through the process of establishing paternity, answering questions along the way and helping them pursue the desired outcome.
Paternity: Parenting Plans, Child Support And Visitation
A proper determination of paternity is important for a number of reasons, including:
- Establishing paternity to receive child support
- Establishing paternity so that the parenting plan includes the father
- Ruling out paternity to turn back requests for child support
If there is no affidavit of paternity or the father is not named on the birth certificate, establishing paternity requires a DNA test. This test is quick, painless and accurate. We point fathers toward the best testing facilities, explain the test to them and help them establish their parental rights.
If a father has signed an affidavit or is named on the birth certificate, we help them establish visitation schedules and a parenting plan, and file the correct petitions with the court. We help mothers enforce child support orders when the father is known.
Contact A Team Of Experienced Family Law Attorneys Today
Call 425-740-2209 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with a Snohomish County parenting plan attorney. The office is conveniently located in the heart of downtown Everett, close to the Snohomish County Superior Courthouse. We can also represent people in the Seattle and King County area.