Paternity Put a Board Certified Family Law Specialist In Your Corner

Seeking to Establish Paternity?

Let our family law firm assist you.

When a married couple has children, the father is also considered the legal parent of the child. If an unmarried couple conceives a child, the mother will often need to establish paternity if she intends to pursue child support from the biological father. There are also situations in which the biological father may want child custody or visitation rights, which will also require the establishment of paternity. A divorce lawyer can provide valuable consul regarding paternity issues, and discuss in more detail the rights of each parent and the child after paternity has been determined. This includes:

  • The mother's right to pursue child support
  • The father's right to seek custody and visitation
  • The father's right to include the child in his health care plan
  • The father's right to dispute an adoption
  • The child's eligibility to receive the father's social security of death benefits
  • The child's inheritance rights under probate laws

The establishment of paternity begins with the filing of a petition with the court, after which the father will be ordered to take a paternity DNA test. The Graves Law Firm is a respected family law firm that has helped many clients resolve paternity matters, including individuals seeking the legal right to pursue support, as well as custody and visitation.

Contact a Qualified Pasadena Family Law Lawyer

Paternity is the legal acknowledgement of the biological relationship between a father and child. Unmarried couples often need to establish paternity to ensure their rights and the rights of their child are protected. The firm understands the sensitive aspects of paternity cases, and will provide the caring and considerate support needed throughout your case.

Contact a paternity attorney for professional and attentive legal assistance if you are seeking to establish paternity.

Read what our past clients have to say about us

    “Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people.”
    I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck
    - Brian Beck
    “I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results!”
    At each of our meetings the interest Demetria took, coupled with the way she listened to my personal situation gave her the facts she needed to produce an excellent strategy that proved to be invaluable and ultimately brought us success in court. That was such a happy day for me. One that I have replayed in my mind time and time again. I would definitely, without hesitation, retain Demetria again if any situation arose in my life where I needed legal assistance because she is a brilliant attorney armed with an essence of quality, professionalism and who gets results! - Charlesetta M. Long
    - Charlesetta M. Long
    “Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case.”
    I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous
    - Anonymous
    “In the event should I need legal services again, I will contact her office.”
    I would like to thank the law office of Demetria Graves. You never know what life can throw at you, and contacting an attorney can be a sensitive time. When I first contacted the office, I was greeted by the staff with warmth and professionalism, and compassion. I appreciated this very much. In the event should I need legal services again, I will contact her office. Once again, thank you for the services regarding my case. - Amy Roberts
    - Amy Roberts
    “Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly.”
    When I came to see Demetria for the first time, I was confused and scared. However, Demetria has always been honest and straightforward about what I should expect. Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly - and there are many! She truly has been a breath of sanity in a sea of Chaos. - Eliot Trainer
    - Eliot Trainer
    “I would recommend her to anyone.”
    I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda
    - Sandra Castaneda
    “I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria!”
    I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson
    - Ton Nelson
    “Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases.”
    I first made contact with the Law Offices of Demetria Graves back in a time where I needed advice and counsel in the most urgent and cost effective manner. I needed a strategy that could help me address my situation while supporting my budgetary challenges. I had solicited several firms prior to Demetria Graves and recognized rather quickly that she had the technical expertise I needed and was very reasonably priced. "Demetria has been very responsive and diligent in her actions to mitigate personal exposure on my part. She was very forthright in laying out the truth and reality associated with the process. Sometimes the truth in these situations isn't what you want to hear, but Demetria was very good a keeping it real and never sugar coating any personal exposure and/or financial commitments that will be imposed by the courts. For me the truth was essential and the truth is what clients can rely on from Demetria and her staff. "Because of Demetria's strategic approach to mitigating and minimizing my long-term damages, I am pleased to say I successfully got through the process and while I am committed to the financial support of another, I feel I was well represented and was able to weigh the options and make the right decision for my life moving forward. "Demetria Graves and her staff strike me as a vibrant young up and coming firm with the right energy and fortitude to tackle the most difficult and complex cases, while remembering the economics of it all. For this I am grateful and appreciative. It has allowed me to move on and begin a new chapter with brighter things to come. - Robert C. Harrelson
    - Robert C. Harrelson

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