Parentage

If you were not legally married to your spouse when your child was born, you may have to establish “parentage.” This is a legal term that refers to the legally recognized parents of a child. Therefore, if you opt to assume parentage of a child, you assume all of the legal responsibilities that come with it such as:

• Child support
• Custody rights
• Visitation rights

To learn more about this complex law and your parentage rights, contact the intelligent San Jose parentage lawyers of the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., at 408-296-4100.

Non-biological Fathers

Whether or not a woman’s husband is the real father of her child, he will usually be considered to be the father if he was married to the mother at the time of the child’s birth. In the case of a registered domestic couple, both are assumed to be the parents of the child under law. Since this law is so new, however, it is best for same sex partners to consult with an attorney to be sure the parentage is legally binding.

Unmarried Parents

At the time of the child’s birth, if you and the other parent are not legally married, you can sign a “Voluntary Declaration of Paternity.” Signing this document establishes parental responsibilities up front.

Child Custody and Support

Establishing parentage is important if you want to get custody or visitation rights. In fact, it is possible to request that your judge incorporate visitation, support, and custody considerations into your parentage case.

Contact Us

At the Law Office of Daniel Jensen, P.C., we understand the importance of establishing parentage and child custody or visitation rights. Contact our San Jose parentage attorneys today at 408-296-4100 to discuss your case, free of charge.