Paternity Lawyer Lincoln, NE

One of the most difficult aspects of family law is questions of paternity and disputes over who the father of a child is. We understand that you have many questions, and, as your Lincoln, NE, paternity lawyer, we’re here to help ease your worries and help you through this tough time.

Whether you’re a mother seeking to establish paternity to secure child support to set a visitation schedule, a father questioning whether a demand for child support is legitimate, or otherwise have questions about the paternity of a minor child, trust the team at GordenLaw, LLC. We’re here to help you properly establish your child’s rights and ensure that you’re protected throughout the dispute. Call us today to learn more about how we can help.

A Lincoln Paternity Lawyer Helps You Understand Nebraska Paternity Laws   

Paternity refers to legal fatherhood status. Each state’s laws vary; in Nebraska, if a woman is married at the time of the child’s birth, then her husband is automatically considered the child’s legal father. However, even if the mother is married at the time of the birth, the paternity of the child may still be disputed.

Parents who are unmarried at the time of the child’s birth must legally establish paternity. Typically, this is done by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, in which both mother and father affirm that the child is theirs. The form is signed before a notary and notarized, then submitted to the Nebraska Department of Health and Vital Statistics. Once the department receives the form, the signing father is added to the child’s birth certificate, legally affirming fatherhood’s rights and responsibilities, per NE law.

Why Is It So Important To Establish Paternity?

Children thrive when both mother and father are involved in their lives; establishing paternity grants the father those rights and legal access to his child. He can be involved in the child’s life and has the right to demand fair visitation and parenting time if he and the child’s mother are not living together.

Children are also entitled to know their father’s family medical history and genetic background, which can help them form a sense of self or be aware of potential medical complications they may have a genetic predisposition to.

If the child’s mother and father are not married or otherwise living and raising the child together, then establishing paternity becomes even more important. The child is entitled to support from the father, so determining his identity is essential to providing the child with that vital economic support.

The mother may also receive financial assistance from the father for medical costs incurred during the child’s birth and any child support payments in arrears (for up to four years).

How Can A Lincoln Paternity Lawyer Help Me?

Whether there is a paternity dispute or you’re having difficulties securing proper support from a child’s father, we can help you. We also represent fathers who wish to exercise their rights as a parent or men who question whether they are the fathers of a particular child. The legal team at GordenLaw, LLC, is beside you during this emotional time, advocating for your rights and interests. Call us today for a consultation. 

Establishing Paternity And Its Effect On Child Support Obligations

Our Lincoln, NE paternity lawyer knows that in family law cases, determining paternity plays a significant role in shaping legal obligations, particularly those related to child support. When the identity of a child’s biological father is in question or disputed, paternity testing provides a reliable way to establish the facts, whether a mom is seeking child support or a father is seeking paternity rights. This process impacts both parents’ legal responsibilities and directly influences the child’s financial support. Attorney Vanessa Gordon is our firm founder and believes in keeping her skills sharp to help each of her clients.

Legal Basis For Child Support After Paternity Is Confirmed

Once paternity is established, whether voluntarily or through a court-ordered DNA test, the biological father is recognized as the legal father. This recognition carries certain obligations, including financial support for the child. Courts base child support calculations on several factors, such as the father’s income, the needs of the child, and the custodial parent’s financial situation.

Without a clear determination of paternity, courts lack the authority to impose child support obligations. Paternity testing resolves this uncertainty, providing a foundation for the legal requirement to contribute to the child’s upbringing.

Impact On Financial Obligations

Our Lincoln paternity lawyer knows that when a paternity test confirms biological parentage, the legal father is typically required to contribute financially to the child’s welfare. In Nebraska, child support guidelines are structured to balance the child’s needs with both parents’ financial capacities. Establishing paternity ensures the father’s income is accounted for in these calculations, preventing one parent from bearing an undue financial burden.

For fathers, this process ensures clarity about their obligations and prevents ongoing disputes regarding financial contributions. For mothers, it provides access to legal remedies that secure consistent support for the child.

Benefits Of Establishing Paternity For All Parties

Confirming paternity benefits more than just the financial aspect of a child’s life. It often opens doors to additional rights and opportunities for the child, such as access to health insurance, inheritance, and Social Security benefits. Beyond these practical considerations, it provides a sense of stability and identity for the child, knowing both parents are legally involved in their life.

On a financial level, establishing paternity eliminates uncertainty for both parents. The custodial parent gains confidence that the child’s needs will be met, while the non-custodial parent receives clarity about their responsibilities and how those responsibilities are calculated.

The Role Of Legal Support In Paternity And Child Support Cases

We work with families to address the legal implications of paternity testing and child support. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity to secure financial support or need guidance as a parent undergoing this process, we provide reliable advice tailored to your specific situation. If you have questions about how paternity testing could impact your child support case, reach out to us today. We are here to help you take the next step and provide clarity for you and your family so you can learn how best to co-parent. Our firm has won “Best Family Lawyers in Lincoln” because we care about our clients and because of our results. Contact our Lincoln paternity lawyer at GordenLaw, LLC, for a consultation to discuss your options.