Lombard, Illinois Paternity Attorneys

Experienced Lawyers Helping Establish Legal Paternity in Lombard

Recent birth statistics indicate that over one-third of babies born in Illinois were born to unmarried mothers. Biological mothers have full legal parental rights for their children, but the same is not necessarily true for fathers. For an unwed father to gain parental rights, he must establish legal paternity. Similarly, unwed mothers who are seeking child support from their children's biological fathers may also need to establish paternity. In other cases, alleged fathers may wish to dispute parentage. These situations can be combative, but you do not have to face yours alone.

Whatever your reason, one of the experienced family law attorneys at The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. can help you establish or contest legal fatherhood. Since 1997, our firm's focus has been helping Illinois families better their lives by providing top-notch legal representation, unmatched support, and seasoned guidance. We understand that proving or disproving paternity is an important step to help you achieve your goals, and you can rely on us to protect your best interests through our determined advocacy.

Understanding Legal Paternity in Lombard, IL

When a child is born to a married couple, the husband is presumed to be the baby's biological father. He has full parental rights and the obligations that come with them. If the parents later divorce, the husband may be required to pay child support, and child custody agreements may be put in place.

When parents are not married, the assumed father has no legal rights or obligations. He cannot gain custody of the child, and he is not required to pay child support unless legal paternity is established. This can be done in three ways:

• Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity Form: Both parents can sign this form if they agree on the identity of the child's father. Although many parents choose to sign the form while the mother is in the hospital after giving birth, it can also be obtained at a child support office, Health Department, county clerk's office, or registrar's office. The Illinois Healthcare and Family Services website also has the file available for download.
• Judicial Paternity Order: The mother or presumed father can petition the court to establish paternity. A judge may order DNA testing. If it is confirmed that the man is the biological father, further orders may be given regarding child support, parenting time (visitation and physical custody), and parental responsibilities (legal custody).
• Administrative order: The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services can issue administrative orders on behalf of parents in paternity cases. A DNA test will usually be given to confirm that a man is the biological father of a specific child. These orders are enforceable, so the father is expected to comply.

We can help either parent establish legal fatherhood, and we can also assist alleged fathers who suspect that a child is not theirs. The latter situation could apply if you believe that your significant other was unfaithful and that someone else is a child's biological father. Proving that you are not a child's father means you will not be required to pay child support, but it will also prevent you from sharing child custody or having other parental rights.

Further Reasons to Establish Illinois Paternity

Confirmed paternity can also benefit your children. They can gain access to their father's family medical history, which can be invaluable during medical treatment. Legal fatherhood will also make children eligible to receive benefits, such as healthcare insurance, Social Security, and veteran's benefits. Children will also have inheritance rights after the death of their parent.

Call Our Lombard, IL Paternity Lawyers

When you want to establish paternity, The Law Offices of Robert F. Kramer, Ltd. can help. We will also work to ensure that your goals are addressed, whether those are obtaining child support, gaining parental rights, or other reasons. We have offices in both Lombard and Plainfield for your convenience. Call 630-785-2400 or send a confidential online message today to request your free case evaluation.