Paternity Actions in Columbia

Columbia Divorce Lawyer for Paternity Actions

Whether you are an unwed mother in need of child support payments or a father who wants to petition for rights of child custody and visitation, you can come to Masella Law Firm, P.A. for help from a team with extensive legal experience and a background in prosecution. We understand how important your children are to you, and are prepared to work diligently to help you achieve a favorable outcome in the case.

Claiming Child Support from the Biological Father

Under state law, both parents have a legal duty to provide financial support for their children, but unfortunately the mother is frequently left carrying an unfair share of the burden. In most cases where a child is born to an unwed mother, there is no legal presumption as to the identity of the father, unless the man has specifically taken action to affirm the paternal relationship. Fortunately, we may be able to help you file a paternity action against the man whom you believe to be the father, using DNA testing to irrefutably prove the fact and making it possible for you to sue for the child support payments you need.

Paternity Actions for Child Custody and Visitation

It is also possible for men to file paternity actions, and this is usually done with the purpose of securing rights of child custody and visitation. If you have not been legally recognized as the father, your ability to have a relationship with your child is entirely at the discretion of the mother, who has sole custody and control of the child. By establishing that you are the biological father, you will now be able to petition for visitation privileges, but must be prepared to supply evidence that this would be in the best interests of the children. We will assist you with every phase of the process, and are prepared to fight for your right to play a role in your child's life.