Parental Rights and Paternity Lawyer

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At The Stafford Firm, we represent a number of children in juvenile court wherein the child has allegedly been abused, abandoned, and/or neglected by their caretakers. In these types of cases, the state becomes involved and there are various legal processes wherein the child needs effective representation to bring about the results desired.

Need help establishing parental rights or hiring a paternity lawyer? Our dedicated team of lawyers at The Stafford Firm is available to meet your needs. We carry years of experience and are passionate about what we do.

What Are Parental Rights?

Parental rights are defined as the right for a biological mother and father to:

• Spend time with their child
• Make decisions affecting the welfare of the child
• Have access to the child

This right is generally deferred to parents by the court unless there are extenuating circumstances that require them to limit or terminate parental rights.

On What Grounds May Parental Rights Be Terminated?

• When a written surrender has been submitted by the parent, putting the child up for adoption
• Abandonment of the child
• If a parent is a danger to the wellbeing of the child
• Incarceration of the parent
• History of rights being terminated for other children
• Legal father executes an affidavit indicating he is not the father
• A parent fails to respond to appear in court
• The court decides the parent is incapacitated

What Does a Paternity Lawyer Do?

Paternity law involves the legal recognition of a child’s biological father, usually determined through genetic testing.

A paternity lawyer at The Stafford Firm can assist with all types of cases:

• Paternity lawsuit: The most common is a paternity lawsuit, which the mother files against the father who is denying parentage.
• Paternity action: a civil lawsuit. Only a man alleging he is the father of an expected child has legal standing to initiate a paternity action.
• Posthumous actions: Where the alleged father passes away and paternity must be proven by an acknowledgment of fatherhood prior to death.

Ready to take the next step in establishing parental rights or hiring a paternity lawyer? Contact The Stafford Firm and we’ll help you through every step of the process.

We are happy to speak with you and bring you to the office for a free consultation. Our main office phone number is (561) 540-4533 or toll-free at (866) 339-4693. Any information discussed regarding your case will be kept completely confidential.

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