Paternity Lawyer For Mothers & Fathers Establishing Their Rights
In Illinois, establishing legal parentage is often the first thing that has to happen before a court can weigh in on parenting time, decision-making, and support. Whether you’re a mother or father trying to understand your rights, Angela can walk you through the legal process and what comes next.
What Paternity Means in Illinois
Paternity, also called legal parentage, establishes the legal relationship between a parent and a child. If parents aren’t married, parentage can be established voluntarily by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity or through a court order when there is a dispute.
Establishing parentage is often the first step before the court can address parenting time, decision-making responsibilities, child support, and other matters involving your child. Without legally establishing parentage, your rights and responsibilities as a parent will not be fully recognized.
What People Mean By Father’s Rights
Parenting time for unmarried fathers
Many fathers assume they have no legal rights because they weren’t married to their child’s mother. That’s not necessarily true. Once parentage has been legally established, you can pursue parenting time and work toward a schedule that supports your relationship with your child.
Decision-making authority
Decision-making responsibilities determine who has the authority to make important choices about a child’s upbringing (such as healthcare and education). Courts may allocate these responsibilities to one parent or share them between both parents, depending on what’s in the child’s best interests.
What happens if you're not on the birth certificate
Not being listed on the birth certificate doesn’t necessarily end your legal options. If parentage hasn’t been legally established, Angela can help you understand the process, including whether DNA testing or a court order may be necessary. Once parentage is established, you can pursue parenting time and decision-making through the court.
When Paternity Becomes an Issue
Parentage questions often arise during periods of change or conflict. Addressing them early can help avoid delays when you’re trying to establish parenting arrangements or protect your relationship with your child.
Paternity can become an issue when:
- Unmarried parents are separating.
- There are disputes over the birth certificate or DNA testing.
- There is parental alienation, which is when one parent works to damage a child’s relationship with the other parent.
Cost & Timeline
What Hiring Angela as Your Paternity Lawyer Looks Like
Every paternity case is different, so the cost and timeline depend on the issues involved. If both parents agree on parentage, the process may move relatively quickly. Cases involving contested parentage, DNA testing, or disputes over parenting time and decision-making typically take longer.
Angela is committed to transparent billing throughout your case. She bills in six-minute increments and provides invoices every two weeks. Many paternity matters begin with a retainer which Angela will discuss with you during your consultation.
Please note: Angela cannot serve as your mediator once she is representing you as your attorney in this matter.
FAQs for Your Paternity Lawyer
Do I need to establish paternity if I'm already on the birth certificate?
Being listed on the birth certificate doesn’t always answer the legal question of parentage. Depending on how your child’s parentage was established, additional legal steps may still be necessary. Angela can review your situation and explain whether any further action is needed.
What's the difference between "father's rights" and paternity?
“Paternity” refers to establishing a legal parent-child relationship. “Father’s rights” is a common phrase people use when they’re seeking parenting time or decision-making authority. Establishing parentage is usually the first step before those issues can be decided.
Can I get parenting time if I was never married to my child's other parent?
Yes. Unmarried parents can seek parenting time once legal parentage has been established. The court will determine parenting arrangements based on the child’s best interests.
What if the other parent won't agree to a DNA test?
If parentage is disputed, the court can order genetic testing to help determine legal parentage.
Does establishing paternity mean I'll automatically get 50/50 parenting time?
No. Establishing parentage gives you the ability to ask the court for parenting time and decision-making responsibilities, but it doesn’t guarantee a specific schedule. The court’s decisions are based on the child’s best interests and the unique facts of each case.
What happens if the other parent moves out of state after paternity is established?
Relocation can affect parenting schedules and may require court approval depending on the circumstances. Angela can help you understand your options and protect your parental rights.
Schedule your confidential consultation
You can request a confidential consultation with Angela and our team to find out where your case stands. Please complete our form and our office will review your request.