Sabharwal Law Offices

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Berkeley Paternity Attorney

In California, establishing paternity is essential for securing critical rights and responsibilities, including child support, custody and visitation. Without legally establishing paternity, an unmarried father may not have enforceable parental rights. That is why working with an experienced Berkeley paternity lawyer in a dispute is so important. 

My name is attorney Sunena Sabharwal, and at Sabharwal Law Offices, I help Berkeley and the East Bay parents handle paternity matters. With over 30 years of experience and admitted to practice in all California courts, my practice is built on strategic advocacy and personalized attention. 

How Paternity Is Established In California

California law provides a few options for establishing paternity, including: 

  • Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (VDOP): A legal form signed by both parents at the hospital when the child is born or at the county Department of Child Support Services
  • Court order (paternity action): Either parent or a government agency can file a paternity action in court to order a paternity test (DNA)
  • Marriage (presumption): A child born to married parents is presumed to belong to both

As an experienced family law attorney, I can help ensure that every step runs effectively.

Who Can Seek A Parentage Action In California?

The father, the mother or the child (through a representative) can challenge parentage. The process typically involves filing a petition with the Superior Court of the county where the child lives and notifying all involved parties. 

Deadlines And Time Frames To Consider

California’s paternity law allows you to establish paternity even three years after the child’s 18th birthday. However, after signing a VDOP, you have only 60 days to rescind it without needing a court order. Otherwise, you have up to two years to challenge it in court, and the same limit applies to challenging the marital presumption. 

Establishing paternity after filing the petition typically takes three to six months for uncontested cases and 12 months or longer for disputed cases. 

Custody/Visitation: Changes After Establishing Paternity

Once paternity is legally established, both parents gain equal standing to create court-ordered parenting plans based on the child’s best interests. As an experienced lawyer, I can help you develop a practical parenting plan. 

Consult A Certified Paternity Lawyer Today

Paternity cases can have a lasting impact on your rights and your child’s future. That is why at Sabharwal Law Offices, I am ready to represent you in the East Bay area, including Berkeley, Oakland, Concord, Fremont or throughout Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Call 510-665-8777 or send a message through my website to schedule a consultation.