Paternity Lawyers in California

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When is a Parentage Action Necessary?

A parentage action, also referred to as a paternity case, is a family court matter whereby the court determines who the legal parents of a child are. Any person claiming or disputing parentage of a child may file a parentage action. Once a parentage case is opened, any party may file requests for additional relief such as child support, legal custody and visitation orders, and/or attorney fees.

A parentage action is appropriate if parents to a child are unmarried. Otherwise, the parties can proceed with a typical divorce case which will establish child support, legal custody, physical custody and visitation for all children of the marriage. If there are any questions or concerns about the parentage of a child, contact the experienced paternity lawyers at Cage & Miles today to learn more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Establishing legal parentage not only protects parental rights, but the child’s rights as well. Upon the establishment of parentage, a parent can begin to exercise important rights such as legal custody rights. Legal custody involves the right to make decisions regarding a child’s health, safety, education, and wellbeing. This will also involve access to the child’s educational and medical records. A child’s parents can also seek orders of support and physical custody. A child will benefit from inheritance rights of legally recognized parents as well as other government benefits such as social security and veteran’s benefits.

The most common way to establish parentage is the agreement of two parties that they are the biological mother and father of a child. A paternity or DNA test will not be necessary in this instance. Often at birth, an unmarried father will sign a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity. If an alleged father disputes the paternity of a child, genetic testing may be ordered.

The law has been greatly expanded to account for same-sex parent families, and even provide for a child to have more than two legal parents. The law permits for a very broad understanding of family. Presumed parentage can be established for a parent not biologically related to the child if that person holds the child out as his or her own. There are time limitations placed on challenges to parentage so it is important to speak with an experienced paternity attorney as soon as possible if you have questions or concerns regarding parentage.

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Contact us for a confidential, introductory conversation with our Intake Specialist. We’ll talk with you about your unique family law matter, and match you with an attorney who is best suited to handle the particular issues in your case, so we can help you take the next step forward.

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This review is long over due. I cannot say enough nice things about Jillian Duggan-Herd. Over the past several years, Jillian has helped me with multiple family law issues. Every single time, Jillian was able to help clear up the issues with integrity, honesty and a high standard of ethics. Jillian is a professional of the highest standards. Without the help of Jillian, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes I have had. Jillian will stand by your requests and will guide you through what is sometimes a very stressful and lengthy process. Though there were MANY difficult challenges for Jillian in my personal cases, she did not falter. Not once... Thank you Jillian for the dedication, professionalism, honesty and integrity. Your hard work has allowed many smiles within our family and we are extremely grateful. On a scale of 1 to 10, you are an 11. Keep up the amazing work!

James Dougherty

They are very good company to deal with the family law, I had Mehry Mohseni and Stephanie they did an awesome job. They will let you know what is going on in your case, help you how the court works and put you in the picture when you go inside the court what you expect to happen. They will prepare you for your court day very well.I’ll recommend them to anyone going through these kind of problems they will do their best for you.

Aya Lockman

I can not say enough about how helpful and professional both Shannon and Jaime are. They walked me through every step of my case and were always well prepared. They were both available to answer any questions I had during a tough time. Both of these ladies show great professionalism and dedication to their clients and I definitely felt this the whole time working with them. I would recommend them to anyone in need of a Family Law Attorney. Thank you both again!

Miranda T
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Your Paternity Action Attorneys

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Shannon B. Miles
Founding Partner
Shannon B. Miles
Shannon B. Miles
Jaime N. Cage
Founding Partner
Jaime N. Cage
Jaime N. Cage
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Partner
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Jillian Duggan-Herd
Avi Levy
Partner
Avi Levy
Avi Levy
Adrian Doty
Attorney
Adrian Doty
Adrian Doty
Alaina Lynch
Attorney
Alaina Lynch
Alaina Lynch
Allison Kuska
Attorney
Allison Kuska
Allison Kuska
Ashley Bell
Attorney
Ashley Bell
Ashley Bell
Carmen Ramos
Certified Family Law Specialist
Carmen Ramos
Carmen Ramos
Chelcee Eads
Attorney
Chelcee Eads
Chelcee Eads
David Crosgrove
Attorney
David Crosgrove
David Crosgrove
Deanne Arthur
Attorney
Deanne Arthur
Deanne Arthur
Dillon Clayton
Attorney
Dillon Clayton
Dillon Clayton
Evan Wender
Certified Family Law Specialist
Evan Wender
Evan Wender
Garen Gevorkian
Attorney
Garen Gevorkian
Garen Gevorkian
James Dooley
Certified Family Law Specialist
James Dooley
James Dooley
Jamie Learakos
Attorney
Jamie Learakos
Jamie Learakos
Lauren Trinrud
Attorney
Lauren Trinrud
Lauren Trinrud
Leyla Tabatabaie
Certified Family Law Specialist
Leyla Tabatabaie
Leyla Tabatabaie
Maria Spear
Certified Family Law Specialist
Maria Spear
Maria Spear
Mehry Mohseni
Certified Family Law Specialist
Mehry Mohseni
Mehry Mohseni
Naomi Fribourg
Attorney
Naomi Fribourg
Naomi Fribourg
Ryan Goulet
Attorney
Ryan Goulet
Ryan Goulet
Sandra Mayberry
Certified Family Law Specialist
Sandra Mayberry
Sandra Mayberry
Traci Hoppes
Certified Family Law Specialist
Traci Hoppes
Traci Hoppes
Vanessa Gomez
Attorney
Vanessa Gomez
Vanessa Gomez
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Serving southern California

Experienced Paternity Action Attorneys Near You

Cage & Miles family law attorneys serve all of San Diego County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino. No matter where you are in Southern California, our family law attorneys are prepared to speak with you so that you can gain insight into the options for your family law case.

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