Stillwater Paternity Lawyer

Helping Clients Establish Paternity in Oklahoma 

Paternity matters are a significant aspect of family law that can profoundly impact the lives of children, fathers, and mothers. At Campbell Law Office, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing expert legal assistance in paternity cases, ensuring the rights and responsibilities of all parties involved are protected. If you seek a Stillwater paternity lawyer, our experienced team is here to guide you professionally and carefully.

Call Campbell Law Office, PLLC today at (405) 331-6761 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our paternity attorney in Stillwater!

What is Paternity?

Paternity, in legal terms, refers to establishing a legal relationship between a father and his child. This relationship is crucial because it affects the rights and responsibilities of the father and plays a significant role in the child's well-being. When paternity is legally established, a father gains certain rights, such as custody and visitation, but also takes on responsibilities, including financial support.

Paternity cases are common in various situations, including:

• Unmarried Parents: In cases where the parents of a child are not married, establishing paternity is necessary to secure the child's rights to financial support and access to medical benefits, inheritance, and more.
• Disputed Paternity: When there is uncertainty or disagreement about the biological father of a child, a legal process can be initiated to determine paternity.
• Voluntary Acknowledgment: Parents may voluntarily acknowledge paternity without needing a court order. However, this acknowledgment should be done correctly and legally.

How to Establish Paternity in Oklahoma

In Oklahoma, the process of establishing paternity involves several steps. Follow these steps correctly to ensure the legal relationship between the father and child is recognized and enforced.

• Voluntary Acknowledgment: The most straightforward way to establish paternity is through a voluntary acknowledgment. Both parents sign a document legally recognizing the father as the child's parent.
• Genetic Testing: In cases of a dispute or uncertainty about paternity, the court may order genetic testing. The testing can determine whether the alleged father is the child's biological parent.
• Court Order: A court order may be necessary when paternity cannot be established through voluntary acknowledgment or genetic testing. This often involves a legal process, including submitting evidence and witness testimonies. Once the court issues an order, paternity is legally established.
• Rights and Responsibilities: Once paternity is established, the father can seek custody or visitation with the child. The child also has the right to financial support from the father, who is responsible for providing this support.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity?

In Oklahoma, there is no specific time limit for establishing paternity. However, it is essential to address this issue promptly to secure the rights and well-being of all parties involved. Delaying the establishment of paternity can lead to complications and challenges, particularly in cases where the child's best interests are at stake.

Whether you are a father seeking to establish paternity or a mother looking to confirm the child's legal relationship with the father, taking action as soon as possible is advisable. Timely legal action ensures that the child receives the financial support, medical benefits, and emotional support they deserve.

At Campbell Law Office, PLLC, our experienced Stillwater paternity lawyers are well-versed in Oklahoma's paternity laws. We can guide you through the process, whether you are voluntarily acknowledging paternity or navigating a more complex paternity dispute. Our goal is to protect the rights and well-being of all parties involved, ensuring that the child's best interests are a top priority.

If I am the Father, Do I Have to Pay Child Support? 

According to Oklahoma law, both parents must support their children financially. The amount of child support will be calculated based on the incomes of both the mother and the father, among other factors. In addition, if you are established as the father, you can be asked to pay child support for the previous five years of the child's life. You may still be asked to pay for prenatal or birthing costs if the child is under five.

Establishing paternity is a necessary and potentially life-changing legal process. When dealing with such an important matter, hiring a Stillwater paternity attorney who prioritizes your best interests and fights for a positive outcome is crucial.

Contact Our Paternity Attorney in Stillwater Today

Establishing paternity is a fundamental legal process that affects the rights and responsibilities of fathers, mothers, and children. If you face paternity-related issues in Stillwater, Oklahoma, the legal team at Campbell Law Office, PLLC, is ready to assist you. Our dedicated attorneys have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of paternity cases, whether through voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing, or court orders. We prioritize the child's best interests and work diligently to protect the rights of all parties involved.

Contact Campbell Law Office, PLLC, today to schedule a meeting with our paternity lawyer in Stillwater!