Hiring a lawyer can relieve you of many burdens that can weigh heavily on you during a paternity or parentage case. You can focus on yourself and your family while your lawyer handles complex legal issues on your behalf. A Los Angeles paternity attorney can explain California’s related laws and how establishing paternity can benefit you in your specific case. Then, your attorney can take over legal processes for you, such as setting up blood or DNA tests, drafting declaration of paternity forms, and representing you during a paternity trial, if necessary.
A lawyer will know exactly how to establish paternity or resolve your case in other appropriate ways based on the factors unique to your case. Your lawyer can help you fill out and submit a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage, for example, if you are unmarried, or challenge a declaration of parentage in court if you signed it involuntarily or due to fraud. If you have to go to court to establish parentage, an attorney can represent you before a judge. Your lawyer can walk you through the court process, including what to say and how to dress, for the best possible results.
It is also important to hire an attorney to make sure you meet California’s deadlines on matters related to paternity. The courts impose time limits on requests such as canceling a declaration of paternity. Missing your deadline may mean losing your chance to establish or argue paternity. A lawyer will know these deadlines and can work quickly and efficiently to help you meet them. Using a lawyer to meet California’s legal requirements and statutes of limitations can improve your chances of a satisfactory result.