Wheaton Paternity Lawyer

DuPage County Attorneys for Paternity and Parentage Concerns

At Goostree Law Group, we know that it can be challenging to establish paternity for a child born to unmarried parents or parents who are not in a committed relationship. These types of cases often provoke strong emotions and could involve serious financial concerns. Our experienced attorneys represent both mothers and fathers in all kinds of paternity or parentage disputes. We are dedicated to protecting the best interests of the child and helping parents exercise their parental rights.

Parentage Concerns in Wheaton and Lisle

Under Illinois law, there are certain situations in which the parentage of a child is presumed. For example, a child who is born to parents who are married or who just recently divorced, the spouse of the mother is presumed to be the child's other legal parent.  Most disputes regarding parentage or paternity arise when there is not a presumed second parent, though there may be situations where the presumption of parentage may be challenged.

When paternity is in question, the matter can be resolved by a voluntary acknowledgment by both the mother and the man who wishes to establish legal paternity. Alternatively, the matter could be settled through legal action in court. Paternity cases that go to court generally result in DNA testing to confirm a biological connection between the alleged father and the child. In certain cases, however, an Illinois court has the authority to intentionally skip DNA testing if the results of the test are likely to change a stable, two-parent situation. This means that it is possible for a man who is not the biological father of the child to establish legal paternity of that child. Such cases are often complex and intensely personal, and our attorneys have the knowledge and skill to help you every step of the way.

The Benefits of Establishing Paternity

There are many reasons why establishing paternity is important for both the child and the parents. Child support, for example, cannot be ordered unless there is a legal relationship between the paying parent and the child. In addition, the legal father of a child has the standing to request a share of parental responsibilities—also known as child custody—and reasonable parenting time with the child. Establishing paternity can also give the child access to additional benefits such as inheritance rights, health insurance, family-based scholarship opportunities, and much more. At Goostree Law Group, our experienced attorneys represent men and women with all aspects of paternity-related proceedings.

Our team has been helping families in and around DuPage County for more than 15 years. We believe that parentage and paternity matters should be resolved through amicable negotiation whenever cooperation is possible. A negotiated agreement is often much faster and far less expensive compared to a case that goes all the way to litigation. In addition, a cooperative settlement also provides a foundation for a healthy co-parenting relationship between the parents in the future. If an amicable settlement is not possible, however, we are equipped to be your advocate inside the courtroom as well.

Call 630-364-4046 Today

If you are dealing with a paternity or a parentage matter and you need help, contact our office. Call 630-364-4046 for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today. We represent mothers and fathers in Wheaton, Aurora, Downers Grove, Lisle, Warrenville, Woodridge, and throughout DuPage County.