Paternity & Parental Rights
The determination of paternity is crucial to the rights of all involved. If you don’t take action early on, it could affect your parental rights. The attorneys at Hightower Reff Law are experienced in paternity cases, so let us navigate this journey side-by-side.
Expereienced Paternal Rights Lawyers in Omaha
Paternity cases can be difficult to maneuver. We don’t recommend going through this process alone. At Hightower Reff Law, we are committed to providing you with confident, clear legal representation in court.
Our Parental Rights Process
At Hightower Reff Law, we value your rights as a parent. That’s why we work hard to make sure that the parental rights are honored in court. If you’re considering gaining parental rights for a child, we recommend that you follow these steps:
- Hire an attorney to discuss your case.
- File a petition for a parental rights order with the court.
- Arrange for the other parent to be served with a copy of the petition.
- Appear in court with a Family Magistrate.
Understanding Nebraska Paternity Law
Paternal rights are given to the legal parents of a child. These rights allow you to make important decisions on behalf of your child. Paternity law refer specifically to the legal establishment of the child’s father. Here are a few basics to know about Nebraska’s paternity laws:
- The state can file a paternity case at any time up until the child’s 18th birthday.
- The court can order both the parents and the child to participate in paternity testing.
- If the parents are married to each other when a child is born, Nebraska law presumes both spouses to be the child’s legal parents.
- If the parents are not married when a child is born and no other parent is listed on the birth certificate, there are steps they must quickly take with the courts or Nebraska.
- Department of Health and Human Services to establish child support, health care coverage, and protect the child’s inheritance, Social Security, and other benefits.
- If an alleged parent does not believe they are the biological parent of a child or is unsure, they must take steps quickly via genetic testing through the courts to protect their rights and those of the child.
other Family Law Services
In paternal rights cases, we know you’ll likely need help with other legal aspects. At Hightower Reff Law, one family attorney handles everything you need. We have experience in all types of paternity and parental rights cases and will fight for your rights, so talk with us today.
Adoption
In the case of an adoption of a child, Hightower Reff Law will work hard to protect your child’s legal rights throughout the process. We offer services for both stepparent adoptions and new adoptions. Turn to us for legal counsel and support.
Child Custody
When going through a paternity or parental rights case, you’ll want to prepare for who will get full custody of the child. Our attorneys will assist you with legal representation and offer guidance for custodial parents.
Child Support
When establishing parental rights, you may also want help with child support. Hightower Reff Law will help you find a solution that works for your family. Our child support lawyers in Omaha work hard to protect the interests of your children during this difficult process.
Guardianship & Conservatorship
In certain parental rights cases, you could need a guardian appointed to take care of or make decisions for your child. With both guardianship and conservatorship cases in Omaha, Hightower Reff Law can help you protect your loved ones.
Surrogacy
Surrogacy and parental rights are closely connected, which is why our Omaha attorneys specialize in both practice areas. We help you set up legal surrogacy agreements that clearly outline everyone’s parental rights and obligations.
parental rights attorneys at Hightower Reff Law
Early determination of paternity is crucial to the rights of all involved. At Hightower Reff Law, we have experience helping clients protect their rights in paternity cases. Let us work with you.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I establish paternity?
Paternity can be established in one of three ways: by marital presumption, by court order, or by signing an Affidavit of Parentage at the time a child is born.
Who pays for the paternity test?
The person who requested the paternity test is responsible for the cost of the test. However, if that person prevails in the proceeding, the court will assess the cost against the other parties.
How can I be listed on the birth certificate as the father?
You have the right to petition the court to have yourself declared the child’s father. Contact your local Child Support Enforcement Administration to perform genetic testing on you, the mother, and the child. You will then have to go to court to be declared the legal father.
Contact Our Family Law Attorneys
If you’re dealing with a paternity case or looking for legal counsel on a parental rights case,
our experienced team of attorneys is here to help. Call us or schedule a time to talk about your case.
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