Paternity Attorneys in Bergen County

Helping You Establish Paternity in New Jersey

Generally, when spouses have a child together, the mother’s spouse is legally presumed to be the father of the child. However, if the parents are unmarried when the child is born, there is no automatic presumption of paternity. At Sherwood, Johnson & Poles in Bergen County, our family law attorneys understand the importance of establishing paternity and can provide the representation and guidance you need to navigate the complexities of this situation.

Take the first step toward establishing paternity today by contacting our Bergen County law office at (888) 224-1218 to schedule a consultation with one of our trusted attorneys to discuss the details of your case.

What is Required to Establish Paternity?

There are, of course, other methods for establishing paternity aside from the presumption of paternity when a married couple has a child.

Below are some of the most common ways for one to establish paternity when it is not presumed:

• A DNA test is administered, establishing paternity
• Both the mother and father sign a “recognition of parentage” document in front of a witness to declare paternity
• A man cares for the child as his own, providing both emotional and financial support, for a certain period of time
• The mother and the father of the child agree to write the father’s name on the child’s birth certificate

If a father is unwilling to admit paternity, which is common in cases where the father is trying to avoid being held financially responsible for the child, a magistrate or a judge must adjudicate parentage through an official order.

The Importance of Paternity Recognition for Families

When an unmarried mother gives birth to a child, typically the mother has sole legal and physical custody over the child until paternity is established. Therefore, the father will not have any rights to visitation with the child or the ability to make any decisions regarding the child’s upbringing. If the father wishes to have these rights, he must establish paternity.

Additionally, if paternity is not established, the mother will not receive any financial support to care for the child. Establishing paternity will help ensure she receives the assistance she needs to cover the expenses of her child’s upbringing. Regardless of the reasons why you wish to establish paternity, you can rely on our experienced team to guide you through every step of the process.

Contact Our Bergen County Paternity Attorneys

If you wish to establish paternity, the family law attorneys at Sherwood, Johnson & Poles in Bergen County can provide the assistance you need to guide you through this complex legal process. We understand how important it is for families, especially children, to establish paternity and will help you efficiently navigate each step with ease. Whether you are the child’s mother or father, establishing paternity is crucial and you can rely on our team’s knowledge and experience to get you through it.

Call our law office today at (888) 224-1218 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.