Colorado Springs Paternity Attorney
Let Our Firm Help You Establish Paternity
If you need to establish or dispute paternity in Colorado Springs, Aviso Law is here to help. Our experienced paternity lawyers understand the legal, financial, and emotional complexities that come with determining a child’s biological and legal father. Whether you’re a mother seeking child support, a father fighting for parental rights, or someone unsure of your legal obligations, our team is ready to guide you through the process.
Call (719) 356-5552 or fill out our online contact form today to ensure your parental rights are protected.
What is Paternity?
Paternity refers to the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity is important because it affects parental rights, child support obligations, inheritance rights, and access to benefits such as health insurance and Social Security.
In Colorado, paternity can be established voluntarily, through mutual acknowledgment by both parents, or involuntarily, through legal action. If a child is born to married parents, the husband is presumed to be the father. However, if the parents are unmarried, paternity must be legally determined.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity provides benefits for both the child and the parents, including:
- Legal Rights for Fathers: Fathers who establish paternity gain the right to seek custody or visitation with their child.
- Financial Support for Children: Once paternity is established, the father may be required to provide financial support, ensuring the child's needs are met.
- Access to Medical and Inheritance Benefits: A child with a legally recognized father may qualify for health insurance, Social Security, and inheritance rights.
- Emotional and Psychological Benefits: Knowing one’s biological father can provide a child with a sense of identity and emotional stability.
Legal Process of Establishing Paternity in Colorado
In Colorado, paternity can be established in several ways:
Voluntary Acknowledgment
If both parents agree on the father’s identity, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP). This form is typically signed at the hospital when the child is born or can be completed later. Filing this document with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment establishes legal paternity.
Court-Ordered Paternity
If paternity is disputed, a court may need to intervene. Either parent or a state agency can file a petition to establish paternity. The process usually includes:
- Filing a Petition: The case begins when one party files a petition in family court.
- Genetic Testing: If paternity is contested, the court may order a DNA test to confirm the biological relationship.
- Court Determination: Based on DNA results and other evidence, the court will issue a paternity order.
- Child Support and Custody Orders: Once paternity is established, the court can determine child support, custody, and visitation arrangements.
Disputing Paternity in Colorado
In some cases, a man may believe he is not the biological father of a child and may wish to contest paternity. If paternity was established through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, there is a limited timeframe in which it can be rescinded. After that, disputing paternity typically requires legal action and DNA testing.
If a man is incorrectly identified as the father, legal representation is crucial to navigate the legal process of disestablishing paternity.
FAQs About Paternity in Colorado
How Long Do I Have to Establish Paternity?
In Colorado, paternity actions can generally be filed anytime before the child turns 18. However, it is best to establish paternity as early as possible to ensure the child receives financial and emotional support.
Can a Mother Refuse a Paternity Test?
If a paternity action is filed in court, the court may order genetic testing, and refusal to comply could result in legal consequences.
Does Signing a Birth Certificate Establish Paternity?
No, signing a birth certificate alone does not establish legal paternity. The father must also sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) or have paternity legally determined.
Can I Get Custody or Visitation if I Establish Paternity?
Yes, once paternity is established, a father can seek custody or visitation rights. The court will determine custody based on the child’s best interests.
What Happens if a Man is Found Not to Be the Father?
If a court-ordered DNA test proves a man is not the biological father, he may be relieved of child support obligations and legal responsibilities related to the child.
Contact a Colorado Springs Paternity Lawyer Today
Navigating paternity issues can be challenging, but having the right legal team can make all the difference. At Aviso Law, we are committed to helping parents and children secure their legal rights. Whether you need to establish paternity, dispute a paternity claim, or secure parental rights, our knowledgeable Colorado Springs paternity lawyers are here to help.
Contact Aviso Law today at (719) 356-5552 to schedule a consultation and discuss your paternity case with a trusted attorney.
Why Choose Aviso Law?
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Clients First
Every attorney will tell you they put their clients first. That is true for Aviso Law but it’s how we go about it that sets up apart. We understand the difference between being prepared and aggressive in courtrooms, while being understanding and pragmatic in client meetings. We believe in being realistic as well as easy to work with through all the phases of your case, both in and out of court; this saves you money and time while still receiving the service you deserve with the goal of achieving desired results.
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Proven Success
To us, success isn’t measured by the years we’ve spent behind a desk but by the careers we’ve built, the contacts we’ve made, and the thousands of clients we’ve served to protect jobs, families, education, and reputations. We developed our careers in Colorado’s military and civil courts, successfully defending clients from all walks of life. We come highly rated by our clients and have received professional recognition for our work.
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Breaking the Mold
We’re not your typical law firm. We don’t wear fancy suits (unless we have to in court) and we don’t hide behind big imposing desks. Reflective on our military roots, we strive to serve. We understand the legal process can be threatening and worrisome, which is why we work with our clients to get results. We aim to be respectful, diligent, and cost-effective while practicing the highest standards of legal representation.
