Bakersfield Paternity Lawyer

When a child is born to married parents, it is automatically assumed that the father is the biological parent of the child and thus his name is put on the child’s birth certificate. If a child is born to unmarried parents, the father must establish his paternity to protect his parental rights. The easiest way to do this is to have both parents sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity, usually at the hospital at the time of the child’s birth. Once this is done, the father’s name will be added to the child’s birth certificate.

If the above is not done, either party may initiate a paternity suit that will establish paternity by DNA testing. This then allows the mother to establish child support or the father to establish custody/visitation to be able to play a major role in the child’s life. A man who fails to respond to a petition initiated by a mother to establish parentage may be declared through default by the court to be the father. He will then be obligated to pay child support once an order is established, even if he has left the state. 

Establishing paternity has many benefits for the child, including not only financial support but inheritance rights, rights to government benefits, family medical history, and, where a father pursues custody rights, the advantage of having his or her father’s guidance, care, and influence throughout life. 

If you need legal assistance with establishing paternity or with the following legal actions of seeking child support or child custody and visitation, we urge you to contact Bobby Cloud Law for competent and compassionate assistance. 

Local Insights on Paternity Matters in Bakersfield and Surrounding Areas

Navigating paternity issues in Bakersfield, Kern County, and the neighboring regions of Tulare and Fresno can be particularly challenging for families. Local resources, such as the Kern County Department of Child Support Services, provide essential support for parents seeking to establish paternity and secure child support. However, many parents still face obstacles, including emotional stress and confusion about their rights and responsibilities.

In our community, it’s not uncommon for unmarried parents to encounter difficulties when trying to establish paternity. This can lead to uncertainty regarding child support and custody arrangements. For instance, if a father is not listed on the birth certificate, he may struggle to gain legal recognition and access to his child. This situation can be especially painful for fathers in Bakersfield who wish to be involved in their children's lives but find themselves navigating a complex legal landscape.

Additionally, local families may face unique challenges related to the economic conditions in the area. With many parents working multiple jobs to make ends meet, the need for clear and enforceable child support agreements becomes even more critical. Establishing paternity not only secures financial support but also ensures that children have access to their father's guidance and care, which is vital for their development.

At Bobby Cloud Law, we understand the local dynamics and the specific pain points that families in Bakersfield and the surrounding counties face. We are committed to providing compassionate legal support tailored to your needs. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father wanting to establish your rights, we are here to help you navigate the paternity process with confidence.

Contact Bobby Cloud Law today at (661) 464-1347 for a free consultation about your paternity case in Bakersfield.