Establishing Parentage and Visitation Rights
Paternity Actions in the Seattle, Washington Area
Do you need legal action to assert your parental rights? Contact Engel Law Group to learn your rights and promote your interests regarding paternity. Our attorneys represent men (and women) in Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Kent, and throughout the Puget Sound area.
Free Consultation with Experienced Family Law Lawyers: 206.625.9800
In decades past, the mother was almost always granted full custody of her children if she and the father were not married. The father's only role was to provide child support. Current law and the courts of Washington State take a more broad-minded approach today, believing that involvement by both parents is healthy for children.
We represent many fathers in establishing paternity and enforcing their visitation rights, men who want to not only provide financially for their offspring but also play an active part in their children's life.
Parentage Actions and Custody Rights
Asserting your father's rights may require proving that you are the child's biological father. We can arrange DNA tests to legally establish your parentage. Once you have taken this step, you can request a hearing on custody. The judge considers petitions on a case-by-base basis. Depending on the extent of your relationship with the child, who has been the primary caregiver, your history, and the mother's, the court could award you:
- Full custody, making you the primary residential parent
- Joint custody, establishing shared parenting and decision-making responsibilities
- Visitation rights, allowing you to spend time with the child
- No access, if your presence is deemed not in the child's best interests
If you are granted custody or visitation, a parenting plan must be approved by the court that spells out specifics of where the child will live and how much time is spent with each parent. I can help negotiate and draft terms of the agreement, making certain that your rights are protected.
At the custody hearing, the mother's input is considered, including allegations of drug abuse or domestic violence, or other behavior that would preclude access. Such claims can seriously harm your case, and we can help you vigorously challenge the allegations.
Legal Obligations and Enforcement
Once paternity is established, a father will be compelled to provide child support, possibly including back child support. The mother can contact the Department of Human Services to bring administration action if you fail to pay. Likewise, the primary custodial parent is obligated to comply with the joint custody or visitation order. If the father or mother is refusing to provide access, or repeatedly violates terms of the parenting agreement, you can take them to court to force compliance under penalty of jail and fines.
206.625.9800 • King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties
For a more full understanding of paternity rights for your specific situation, contact us today to arrange a free, half-hour consultation. We will aggressively pursue the action required to protect you and the best interests of your child.
