Fathers love their children. It must be understood, however, that a dad has no rights or obligations until paternity has been established. This means that one will have no right to see their child or to have input into decisions until the law deems him to be “dad.” The problems this can create are obvious. If you are a father and have not established paternity then it is important that you do so. I am a Peoria attorney assisting dads in paternity cases. I understand that nothing is more serious than matters involving one’s children. Call my office today to speak with a lawyer.
Fathers’ rights lawyer assisting Peoria dads in disputes involving paternity
Illinois is like most other states in that a dad has no rights or obligations until paternity has been established. This means that if a child was born, and no acknowledgement of paternity was signed, then one is not seen as the father in the eyes of the law. A parent in such a situation will not have any right to visitation or to give input as to how the child is being raised. There will also be no obligation to pay child support, medical expenses, or to make other financial contributions. Once an order is entered which establishes paternity then the Court will determine child custody, visitation, support, etc.
The first step in establishing paternity is to file a Petition with the Court. A hearing will be held shortly after a response is filed. If the parents do not agree on parentage then a DNA test will be ordered and it will be administered almost immediately. Once the results of the test are available the Court will hold a return hearing. If the DNA test comes back negative then, for obvious reasons, the case is essentially over. If the test comes back positive then a temporary visitation and support order will be put in place. The Court may also order that the father pay child support arrears and past medical expenses. If a settlement is not reached regarding custody and visitation then a trial will be scheduled after which the Court will make its final decision. It is highly suggested that you retain an attorney to assist you.
I am a Peoria fathers’ rights lawyer assisting dads involved in a paternity dispute. Whether you are attempting to assert your rights, or have been named as the defendant, it is important that you deal with the situation. At your initial consultation I will help you gain an understanding of your options and will develop a plan to move your situation forward. I will quickly file any necessary Motions and ensure that your rights are protected in Court. Should an agreement not be reached on visitation then I will use the discovery process to gather evidence showing it is in the child’s best interests to have a relationship with his or her father. As a former prosecutor I will ensure that you are adequately represented at trial and that you know what to expect during the process. You are facing a serious situation and I will take it seriously. Contact my office today.
Affordable representation for Peoria dads in a paternity dispute
It goes without saying that Peoria residents would rather spend their money on items other than legal bills. I am able to handle most paternity matters for a set flat fee. This allows you to plan for the cost of litigation and you are not left wondering how much your legal bills will be each month. This approach allows your to put your money towards supporting your family rather than paying a family law attorney. Regardless of your situation, my office is ready to assist you.
I also service the cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington. I serve the counties of Fulton, Knox, LaSalle, Marshall, Mason, McLean, Putnam, Rock Island, Schuyler, Stark, Tazewell, and Woodford.