Paternity Attorney in San Marino

Helping Parents Resolve Paternity, Custody, and Support Questions in San Marino

Paternity issues can affect nearly every part of your relationship with a child, from legal rights to day-to-day parenting and financial support. If you are searching for a paternity attorney in San Marino, you may be worried about what the future looks like for you and your family. You might also be unsure where to start or how the court process works in Los Angeles County.

At Law Offices of Christopher L. Hoglin, P.C., we guide parents and alleged parents through paternity and parentage matters as part of our focused family law practice. Our firm is based in Pasadena, and we regularly help families from San Marino and the surrounding San Gabriel Valley address paternity, custody, visitation, and child support concerns. We offer personalized attention, clear communication, and support in both English and Spanish so you can move forward with better information and a plan.

Get clarity on paternity and custody. Call (626) 653-4075 or connect with Law Offices of Christopher L. Hoglin, P.C. to consult a paternity attorney in San Marino today.

Why Parents Turn To Our Paternity Lawyer In San Marino

When paternity is in question, parents often feel pressure from many directions at once. There may be arguments about money, concerns about how often a parent can see the child, or fear that a wrong decision now will have long-term consequences. Working with a paternity lawyer in San Marino helps you address those issues with guidance that fits California law and your specific family situation.

Our firm is dedicated to divorce and family-related cases, which means paternity and parentage actions are a central part of what we handle. Because our practice is built around family law, we understand how paternity questions connect to divorce, custody, visitation, and child support. We draw on that experience to help you see how each decision today can affect your child and your rights in the future.

We also know that trust matters when you are choosing a lawyer to handle something as personal as a paternity case. Our work has been recognized through selection to the Super Lawyers list, an honor that reflects our standing in the legal community. For clients, this recognition is one more signal that we take our responsibility seriously and work to provide thorough, thoughtful representation in every family law matter we accept.

Accessibility is another concern we hear often. Questions do not only come up during business hours, especially when you are dealing with court deadlines or urgent issues with the other parent. We offer 24/7 access so you can reach our team when you have pressing concerns, and we communicate in both English and Spanish for bilingual families.

How Paternity Affects Custody, Visitation, and Child Support in California

Establishing legal paternity is essential before California courts can issue lasting orders that affect a child and their parents. Without it, families may face uncertainty and limited legal protection.

• Custody and visitation authority: Courts generally cannot issue long-term custody or parenting time orders until paternity is established, which can delay stability for both parents and children.
• Parental rights and decision-making: Once paternity is recognized, the court can address physical custody and legal custody, allowing a father to request parenting time and participate in major decisions about the child’s upbringing.
• Child support obligations: Legal paternity allows the court to order child support under California guidelines, providing financial stability for the child and clear, enforceable obligations for both parents.
• Access to benefits and protections: Establishing paternity can secure important rights for a child, including health insurance coverage, certain government benefits, and inheritance rights.

At Law Offices of Christopher L. Hoglin, P.C., we help families establish paternity while prioritizing the child’s best interests and protecting your legal rights.

The California Paternity Process: What To Expect

Understanding how paternity cases move through the court system can make the process feel less overwhelming. For families in San Marino, paternity or parentage actions are generally handled in Los Angeles County family courts. Our team helps clients file the appropriate paperwork, understand deadlines, and prepare for each step so that they are not facing the system alone.

Starting A Paternity Or Parentage Case

A paternity case typically begins when one party, often a parent or a local agency, files a petition to establish a parental relationship. The other party must be properly served with the documents and given a chance to respond. If both sides agree on parentage, the court may be able to issue orders without a contested hearing, particularly when a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage has already been signed and is not disputed.

Genetic Testing and Court Orders

In many cases, genetic testing plays a key role. Courts can order DNA testing through approved laboratories and usually set deadlines for completing those tests. Results are then provided to the court and can carry significant weight in determining legal paternity. If someone refuses court-ordered testing, the judge can consider that refusal when making decisions, which is one reason it is important to understand your rights and obligations before taking a position.

From Parentage To Custody and Support

Once parentage is established or confirmed, the case can move to related issues such as custody, visitation, and child support. Some families can reach agreements on these topics, which the court can approve and turn into enforceable orders. Other times, a hearing is needed, and the judge will consider the evidence and testimony presented by each side.

Common Paternity Situations We Help San Marino Families Navigate

Every family’s story is different, but many paternity cases share similar themes. Seeing your situation reflected in real-life examples can make it easier to understand how the law might apply to you. At our firm, we assist parents from San Marino and nearby communities in a range of circumstances, always with an eye on the long-term impact on the child and both parents.

Unmarried Parents Seeking Clarity

One frequent scenario involves an unmarried mother who needs to legally establish the father of her child in order to seek child support and secure other benefits. Sometimes the father agrees that he is the parent, but the parties still need help navigating paperwork and court procedures. Other times, there is disagreement about whether he is the biological father, and a court case with genetic testing becomes necessary.

Fathers Seeking Rights and Parenting Time

We also work with fathers who want to confirm paternity and secure a meaningful place in their child’s life. This might occur after a separation, when a father is suddenly seeing the child less often, or when he has never had regular time with the child and now wants to build that relationship. Establishing paternity can be a crucial step toward obtaining fathers' rights, such as visitation or custody.

Questions About Past Acknowledgments

Some cases arise from earlier decisions that no longer feel right. A person may have signed a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage and later had doubts about the biological connection, or someone might have been named in a paternity judgment without fully understanding the consequences. Challenging existing orders can involve strict timelines and complex standards, which is why timely legal advice is important. In each of these situations, we listen carefully to your concerns, explain available options, and help you move forward in a way that aligns with your goals and your child’s needs.

How Our Family Law Firm Supports You Throughout Your Paternity Case

Paternity cases often bring together legal questions and intense emotions. Having a team that focuses on both can make the process more manageable. When you work with Law Offices of Christopher L. Hoglin, P.C., our goal is to provide clear guidance on the law while also supporting you through the practical and emotional challenges that come with parentage disputes.

• Communication and Availability: This is a central part of how we work. We offer 24/7 access, which means you can reach our team when urgent questions or unexpected developments arise, not just during standard business hours.
• Bilingual Support For Bilingual Families: For bilingual and Spanish-speaking families in and around San Marino, language should never be a barrier to understanding your legal options. Our team serves clients in both English and Spanish, which helps ensure that you can ask questions comfortably, review documents with confidence, and fully participate in conversations about strategy and settlement.
• Compassionate Advocacy: Above all, we approach each case with compassionate advocacy, taking time to understand your priorities and working to protect your interests while keeping your child’s well-being at the center of the discussion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need A Lawyer For A Paternity Case?

Many people start by wondering if they can handle a paternity matter on their own. It is possible to file a paternity case without a lawyer, but these cases can have long-term effects on custody, visitation, and support that are difficult to change later. For many parents, having a lawyer means less uncertainty and a stronger sense of control over a process that might otherwise feel overwhelming.

How Long Does A Paternity Case Usually Take In This Area?

The length of a paternity case for a family in San Marino depends on several factors, including whether both sides agree on parentage, whether genetic testing is needed, and how many related issues are in dispute. When parties agree on paternity and can quickly resolve custody and support questions, the court can often issue orders more quickly.

Will I Have To Go To Court For A Paternity Matter?

Most paternity cases involve at least some interaction with the court, but the amount of time you spend in a courtroom can vary. If both parents agree on paternity and can reach a complete agreement on custody, visitation, and child support, many steps can occur through filings and paperwork, with fewer in-person appearances.

What If The Other Parent Refuses DNA Testing?

If the court orders DNA testing and a parent refuses to participate, that refusal can affect how the judge views the case. California courts generally expect parties to follow lawful orders related to genetic testing. A refusal does not automatically decide the matter, but the judge may consider it as one piece of evidence when determining legal paternity.

What If I Already Signed A Paternity Acknowledgment and Now Have Doubts?

If you signed a Voluntary Declaration of Parentage or another form acknowledging paternity and now have doubts, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. California law often sets specific time limits and conditions for challenging prior acknowledgments. Waiting too long can limit your options, even if you have new information about a biological connection.

Talk With Our Lawyer About Your Paternity Concerns

Unresolved questions about paternity can affect your child’s sense of stability, your ability to be involved in their life, and your financial future. You do not have to sort through these issues on your own. A paternity attorney in San Marino can help you understand your rights and the options available to move forward.

Take control of your case. Call (626) 653-4075 or contact Law Offices of Christopher L. Hoglin, P.C. to speak with a partenity attorney in San Marino.