Paternity Put a Board Certified Family Law Specialist In Your Corner

Seeking to Establish Paternity?

Let our family law firm assist you.

When a married couple has children, the father is also considered the legal parent of the child. If an unmarried couple conceives a child, the mother will often need to establish paternity if she intends to pursue child support from the biological father. There are also situations in which the biological father may want child custody or visitation rights, which will also require the establishment of paternity. A divorce lawyer can provide valuable consul regarding paternity issues, and discuss in more detail the rights of each parent and the child after paternity has been determined. This includes:

  • The mother's right to pursue child support
  • The father's right to seek custody and visitation
  • The father's right to include the child in his health care plan
  • The father's right to dispute an adoption
  • The child's eligibility to receive the father's social security of death benefits
  • The child's inheritance rights under probate laws

The establishment of paternity begins with the filing of a petition with the court, after which the father will be ordered to take a paternity DNA test. The Graves Law Firm is a respected family law firm that has helped many clients resolve paternity matters, including individuals seeking the legal right to pursue support, as well as custody and visitation.

Contact a Qualified Pasadena Family Law Lawyer

Paternity is the legal acknowledgement of the biological relationship between a father and child. Unmarried couples often need to establish paternity to ensure their rights and the rights of their child are protected. The firm understands the sensitive aspects of paternity cases, and will provide the caring and considerate support needed throughout your case.

Contact a paternity attorney for professional and attentive legal assistance if you are seeking to establish paternity.

Read what our past clients have to say about us

    “I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again.”
    I cannot express enough my gratitude for the efforts made to my case. Demetria was truly attentive, patient and essentially was able to close my case with ease. I am very appreciative of her efforts and will most definitely call her should I need her services again. - John Williams
    - John Williams
    “I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria!”
    I chose Attorney Demetria Graves for my divorce attorney based on what she said that she would try to accomplish for me. Well, all I can say is that she definitely delivered, and I am - once again- in control of my life. Thanks Demetria! - Ton Nelson
    - Ton Nelson
    “Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly.”
    When I came to see Demetria for the first time, I was confused and scared. However, Demetria has always been honest and straightforward about what I should expect. Her composed and serene demeanor inspires comfort and confidence. She is always responsive to my needs and resolved my questions and concerns very quickly - and there are many! She truly has been a breath of sanity in a sea of Chaos. - Eliot Trainer
    - Eliot Trainer
    “Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people.”
    I came into Attorney Graves office as I imagine most do, at one of the worst times in my life. I was full of anger and questions, and I needed help. Demetria started answering my questions, and immediately helped me understand the process and the best ways to get through it. Ms. Graves was there to assist, advise and guide me through this very difficult time. She offered more than just legal counsel; she gave me a heads up as to what I might expect to see plus ways to handle the situations and people. She was there to help me get the best results, and came through every time, including helping me retain custody of my three kids. I have already recommended her to several people and will continue to do so. - Brian Beck
    - Brian Beck
    “I would recommend her to anyone.”
    I used Ms. Graves services for my divorce last year and I found her and her staff to be very efficient. Sometimes when I was worried about something she would calm me down and say that everything was going to be OK. She was right every time. I would recommend her to anyone. She is a very good lawyer! Sabrina, her assistant, is great at responding quickly when you have a question. Thank you both for your services! - Sandra Castaneda
    - Sandra Castaneda
    “Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case.”
    I went to the Law office of Demetria Graves to discuss a unique and somewhat embarrassing situation regarding child support. Ms Graves sat down with me and took the time to fully understand my problem. Demetria handled my case in a completely professional manner and helped me get through this very unforeseen case. - Anonymous
    - Anonymous
    “I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel.”
    I have a small girl whom I've been completely involved with since her birth, despite her mother and I having never been married. We had a mutual agreement that the courts never needed to be involved, and everything would be 50/50. But eventually she filed for full custody, demanding I see my little girl 2 days a month. All this after 3 years without incident. Frankly, I was scared. She had retained an attorney, but I could not afford one. We ultimately came to an agreement which held briefly. I thought my child was residing out of town with her mother for 4 months, when in fact, she was only 12 minutes away. At this point I immediately asked a friend in the law field for help. That friend came up with Demetria L. Graves. Upon meeting Ms. Graves, I was immediately impressed with her demeanor. Previous potential counselors were unnecessarily "cut-throat." One went as far as to say "I'll get you full custody and MAKE her pay you support. We'll stick it to her!" This coming from a lawyer at a large and well-to-do firm. Demetria asked me what I wanted, as opposed to telling me what to do just to get even. She understood my position and respected it. Demetria also never hesitated to tell me when my approach to the situation was wrong. She moved quickly and her assistant, Sabrina, kept me informed every step of the way, via phone, email, and mail. Access to her newsletter led me to hold Demetria in even higher regard as a person truly dedicated to their field and wanting to help others understand it. I now have joint custody of my little girl, with equal time/expenses shared. All I wanted was fair treatment for my Baby Girl, which is; both parents in her life. I have, and will continue to refer Demetria Graves to anyone in need of counsel. - Crescen Bacon
    - Crescen Bacon
    “I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm.”
    I would like to take this opportunity to thank Demetria for the excellent work I received from her firm. When I first came to her office with my child custody case, I was distraught and afraid of what was to come in the months ahead. She was considerate and compassionate and best of all she gave me hope, which I had not received from any other attorney. I can not thank Demetria enough for the strength and guidance she provided me. I was very pleased with the results of my case, and highly recommend her firm. - Aurora
    - Aurora

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