Establishing Paternity And Fathers’ Rights

As more couples have children outside of marriage, paternity becomes an increasingly important area of law. If affects not only a mother’s right to receive child support but a father’s right to have visitation with his child.

At Pearman Law Firm, P.C., our attorneys handle paternity cases for unmarried mothers and fathers in Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Arvada and other communities in the Denver metropolitan area.

Establishing Paternity In Colorado

In Colorado, paternity can be established either by agreement of the parents or by a DNA test. Courts can also order a DNA test to disestablish paternity if a man thinks he is not the biological father of a child he is supporting.

Determining Child Support For Unmarried Parents

Child support is calculated using a formula that considers the gross income of both parents, health insurance premiums, day care costs, the child’s primary residence and the number of overnight visits the child has with the nonresidential parent.

If you are an unmarried parent, Colorado law may provide retroactive support to the date your child was born and may even provide you with reimbursement of birth expenses from the child tax exemption may be awarded to one parent or may be divided. It is important that you address the child tax exemption in court.

Determining Visitation For Unmarried Fathers

It’s not unusual for a mother to cut off a father’s contact with his children following the breakup of a relationship. Our family law attorneys often file paternity cases on behalf of fathers who want to continue to have a relationship with their children.

Once paternity is established by agreement or DNA testing, the court will proceed to allocate parental responsibilities, which includes both child support and visitation.

For More Information About Paternity Actions

To talk to our Wheat Ridge paternity lawyers, call 303-991-7600 for a free initial phone consultation.