When it comes to family law, establishing parentage is a critical legal step for unmarried parents. At Hayes Law LLC, our experienced Chicago family lawyers are here to guide you through this process, ensuring your rights and responsibilities are protected.
What Is Parentage?
Parentage legally determines a child’s biological or legal parent, which is essential for addressing matters like:
- Child support
- Parental responsibilities
- Parenting time
For children born during a marriage, parentage is typically presumed unless contested. However, for unmarried parents, establishing parentage involves additional legal steps to protect the rights of both the parent and the child.
When Do You Need to Establish Parentage?
You may need to establish parentage if:
- You are unmarried and want to secure parental rights. A Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) can be signed at the hospital when the child is born.
- There is a dispute about parentage. A parentage proceeding may be necessary if one party contests the biological relationship.
- You want to ensure fair support and responsibilities. Establishing parentage is the first step toward addressing child support, allocation of parental responsibilities including decision making and parenting time rights.
Why Is Establishing Parentage Important?
Establishing parentage is vital for both the child and the parents. It ensures:
- Legal rights for the child, including access to financial support, health insurance, and inheritance rights.
- Parental rights for the parent, such as allocation of parental responsibilities, parenting time, and decision-making authority.
- Clarity and stability for all parties involved, creating a framework for co-parenting and support.
How Can Hayes Law Help?
At Hayes Law LLC, we provide compassionate and professional legal support to help you navigate parentage cases. Our Chicago family lawyers will:
- Assist in filing and managing parentage proceedings.
- Help you understand your rights and obligations under Illinois family law.
- Work to resolve disputes related to child support, custody, and visitation.
- Advocate for your best interests, whether through negotiation or court representation.
Contact Us Today
Parentage cases can be complex, especially when emotions run high. At Hayes Law LLC, we are dedicated to helping families resolve these issues with professionalism and care. If you need assistance with establishing parentage or resolving related family law matters, contact us today for a free consultation.
Let Hayes Law LLC be your trusted Chicago family lawyer as you navigate the legal challenges of parentage.