Paternity & Parentage Actions

Legal issues regarding the paternity of a child used to be straight-forward. While technology has made the task of establishing paternity even simpler, the law has become much more complex. Nowadays even a non-biological parent may have parental rights and responsibilities.

The Law Offices of Burch, Coulston & Buncher, LLP stays on top of evolving paternity laws. We represent mothers, fathers, and putative fathers in parentage actions. Call us at 949-202-5728 or 866-909-6059 to discuss your matter with an experienced paternity lawyer.

Determining Paternity

For mothers, we can establish the paternity of a father for the purposes of obtaining child support payments. In the case of a biological father, this is done not by a blood test but by scraping some cells from the side of the gums of the putative father and child, in a completely painless procedure. We can then establish paternity in court.

Parentage may be established in other ways as well. The father may acknowledge paternity in a court document or a father may adopt a child. Under California law, a non-biological parent (even of the same sex) may be declared a parent, with responsibility for child support. Our attorneys can take action on your behalf whatever your situation.

Asserting Parental Rights

Our firm also represents both biological and non-biological fathers in non-custodial situations. While it may not be possible to establish child custody rights, it may be possible to establish child visitation rights. A successful outcome cannot be guaranteed, but many courts favor the fostering of a positive relationship between a non-custodial father and the child. We can take action to assert unwed fathers' rights.

The Law Offices of Burch, Coulston & Buncher, LLP can answer your questions and address all your needs regarding paternity and parentage matters.

For a consultation with The Law Offices of Burch, Coulston & Buncher, LLP, call 949-202-5728 or 866-909-6059, or contact us online. We serve clients throughout Orange County, including the cities of Irvine, Santa Ana, and Newport Beach.