Milwaukee Father’s Rights Attorney
Are you an unmarried father wishing to fight for paternity rights? Are you a divorced father whose paternal rights are not being recognized by your ex-spouse? Or is someone claiming that you are the father of their child? If you find yourself in any of these situations, experienced and capable Milwaukee father’s rights lawyers can help you navigate the complex legal battles required to establish or deny paternity.
In Milwaukee, unmarried fathers do not automatically have parental rights granted to them unless paternity is established. Fortunately, there are various ways for paternity to be established in Wisconsin. However, it can become a legal battle if the child’s mother does not accept the paternity claim. Similarly, divorced fathers may need to engage in legal proceedings if their ex-spouse prevents them from fulfilling their parental duties. Men who falsely claim to be parents also have legal options to counter such claims.
Davis and Associates Attorneys at Law is a trusted family law firm to partner with for your paternity issues. We will carefully review your case to identify the best strategy to establish, deny, or terminate paternity and fight for the ideal outcome to the best of our abilities. You can also rest assured that we will handle the case with care, ensuring that regardless of the outcome, your relationship with the child remains unaffected, and the process proceeds smoothly.
Call Davis and Associates Attorneys at Law at (414) 422-8416 for your Free Consultation with a Milwaukee Father’s Rights attorney!
Importance of Establishing Paternity
For an unmarried father, actively participating in your child’s upbringing can be challenging, even with the mother’s agreement. Until you undergo the lengthy legal process to establish paternity, the law doesn’t automatically grant you parental rights, including recognition as the child’s legal and biological father.
Though daunting, taking this step can yield numerous benefits for both you and your child. As the legal father, you gain the ability to participate in major decisions regarding your child’s upbringing and enjoy ample time together.
Moreover, you can pursue custody if you believe it’s in the child’s best interest. This ensures your children have access to your cultural and medical background and are recognized as your heirs. Additionally, they benefit from the support of both parents, vital for their overall well-being and development.
Do you want to get advice on understanding what else paternity can give to you and your child? Trust our Milwaukee father’s rights lawyers to address your concerns and offer legal advice. We’ll also outline what to expect if you choose to pursue paternity rights.
Establishing Paternity in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, there are four ways for fathers to establish legal paternity, and they are as follows:
Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement (VPA)
If both parents are 18 or older and are certain that a man is the child’s biological father, they can sign the VPA upon the child’s birth. Once signed, the father will be considered the child’s legal parent, and the court can order them to pay child support without requiring the father to undergo a genetic test to prove paternity.
Court Order
Paternity can be established through a court order if the man is named as the child’s father but does not agree, or if the man claims paternity but the child’s mother disagrees. The court assesses the validity of the claims and informs the man of his rights and responsibilities. Genetic testing can be requested to confirm paternity. If the man fails to appear in court, the court reserves the right to make a ruling by default.
Conclusive Paternity Determination on Genetic Test Results
If a man undergoes a genetic test—whether voluntarily or as mandated by the local child support agency—his paternity will be determined based on the test results. This determination holds true even if no other individuals contest paternity.
Acknowledgment of Marital Child
Finally, if the child’s mother and father marry after the child’s birth, they may establish paternity by jointly signing the Acknowledgment of Marital Child form. This form can be obtained from the local child support agency or the Vital Records Office.
If you’re unsure which option suits your situation best, our Milwaukee, WI family law firm can evaluate your circumstances and guide you on establishing paternity. If the other parent obstructs your parental rights after paternity has been established, we can assist you in petitioning the court to address the issue and ensure paternity recognition.
Termination of Paternity
Although uncommon, there are instances when a father may have legal grounds to question whether he is the biological father of a child. Fortunately, Wisconsin law permits individuals to voluntarily terminate their parental rights by petitioning the court. The court will assess the validity of the grounds presented for such termination. However, the legal process can be complex, as courts typically hesitate to terminate parental rights, preferring both parents to remain involved in the child’s life.
Additionally, you have the option to withdraw your signature from the VPA, provided the court has not yet made a decision involving both parents and the child. This withdrawal must be submitted in writing within 60 days of the original filing of the VPA form. If 60 days have elapsed, you must file a petition with the court to change your child’s paternity.
Having one of our Milwaukee father’s rights lawyers by your side during this process can assist you in navigating the legal proceedings and filing the necessary documents to support your petition. We will also guide you on the implications of terminating your paternity for both you and your children.
Divorced Father’s Rights
Divorced fathers do not need to engage in a legal battle to establish their paternity; they are already recognized as the child’s father.
Even after divorcing the child’s mother, the father maintains legal rights to the child unless there is a court order that states otherwise. If their ex-spouse denies these rights, they can petition the court to intervene and order a custody modification and enforcement.
Davis and Associates Attorneys at Law’s skilled father’s rights lawyers can assist you in asserting your parental rights and compiling the necessary evidence for court intervention. We will also ensure that we have strategies in place to support your appeal for custody modification and enforcement.
Free Consultation Today
Being a father is a fulfilling, lifelong experience when you embrace this responsibility. If you anticipate challenges to your claim, the law is on your side. You can trust legal support if you encounter errors or have questions regarding any paternity claims directed toward you.
No matter your circumstances, do not hesitate to contact us at any time. We will provide you with the legal advice necessary to navigate paternity issues, whether you are fighting for or against paternity, and we will serve as your legal representatives. Our team is committed to minimizing any negative impacts the case may have, especially on the children affected by it.
Call Davis and Associates Attorneys at Law at (414) 422-8416 for your Free Consultation with a Milwaukee Father’s Rights attorney!