Paternity

Oklahoma City Attorney: Paternity

In Oklahoma, establishment of legal paternity provides protection for a child, the child's mother and the child's father. Until paternity has been legally established, the father has no right to custody or visitation and the mother and child have no right to receive child support payments from the father. As a family law attorney, I represent fathers, mothers and children in paternity actions.

Mothers' rights without paternity

If a child's mother and father have never been married, and legal paternity has not been established, the mother is automatically granted sole legal custody. She will be the only parent listed on the birth certificate, will determine who will see the child, where the child will attend school, and what medical treatment the child will receive. The mother has no claim on child support payments from the father until paternity is legally established. After paternity is established, a mother may seek back child support for up to five years from the date of paternity determination.

Fathers' rights

A simple DNA test can establish a father's right to equal consideration in custody and visitation proceedings. In addition, the court may order a birth mother to make child support payments to a custodial father. The father, once paternity has been established, must request from a court to determine legal custody and visitation arrangements.

A child's rights

A child has a right to emotional and financial support from two parents. As your lawyer, I will work to help you, whether you are a father or mother, establish terms of child custody, visitation, and support that are best for you and your child.

Free consultation about legal paternity

You will be discussing sensitive and emotional matters with your lawyer during your paternity action. If you would like to meet me and discuss representation, please feel free to contact my Edmond office and arrange a free initial consultation. I represent clients throughout the Oklahoma City area. At that consultation, we can discuss fee arrangements, including payment by credit card.