Glendale Paternity Lawyer

Glendale Paternity Attorney

If it’s not certain who the father of a child may be, you’ll likely want to work with a qualified and experienced Glendale, AZ, paternity lawyer. Either parent can bring about a paternity case to establish parentage and prove the fatherhood of a child. Paternity can be a critical step in child custody proceedings and other important family law issues. Work with a seasoned family law attorney who can explain your options, the process, and how it impacts your future.

What to Know About Lazenby Law Firm

Lazenby Law Firm was founded by Christopher Lazenby with the mission to help parents and families across Arizona. We understand how challenging family law proceedings can be, especially in a divorce or with child custody issues. Guiding clients through such challenging times in their lives makes Mr. Lazenby feel rewarded for practicing family law.

When Should I Hire a Paternity Lawyer?

Paternity within family law refers to legally establishing a person’s parentage; typically, it involves finding the father of a child. Paternity issues typically arise when unmarried parents have a child together, and family law matters, such as child support or visitation, come up. A mother’s name is automatically on the birth certificate, but fathers are only given presumed parentage if they are married to the child’s mother.

You may need to hire a paternity lawyer if you wish to create a parenting plan with your child’s co-parent or establish a child support court order. Proving paternity may also be necessary if either parent wishes to establish fatherhood due to accusations of infidelity. Paternity laws in Arizona can be complicated at times, so it’s wise to entrust your case to a qualified and skilled family law professional.

Paternity Cases in Glendale, AZ

Arizona is the state that processes the most paternity cases across the nation. An average of 2,200 paternity applications are processed every month. There are various timeframes in which to establish paternity of a child, depending on which party is attempting to do so.

There are some exceptions to this, including when both parents agree to waive any deadline, so be sure to consult a Glendale paternity lawyer to learn more about the options in your particular situation. Maricopa County Superior Court will most likely handle paternity filings, with the closest courthouse to Glendale being the Northwest Regional Court Center. This venue is located at 14264 W Tierra Buena Ln, Surprise, AZ 85374.

Why You Should Work With Us for Your Paternity Case

Consider Lazenby Law Firm if you are searching for a dedicated and experienced Arizona paternity attorney. Our legal team in Glendale, AZ can provide you with high-quality counsel and representation throughout your paternity case. We can streamline the process so you can move forward with your life.

We understand the emotional toll that family court can have. Our team can answer all your questions, provide insightful advice, and relieve your concerns.

FAQs About Glendale, AZ Paternity Laws

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Establish Paternity in AZ?

A: The cost of legally establishing paternity in Arizona can range in price, depending on the manner you choose to prove parentage. The cost of a paternity case can range anywhere from being completely free to costing several hundred dollars.

There is a free option through the Department of Economic Security, which is the Hospital Paternity Program. However, DNA testing ordered by the court can cost several hundred dollars, depending on the circumstances. The court filing fee is also a few hundred dollars.

Q: When Is Establishing Paternity Necessary in Arizona?

A: Establishing paternity is typically necessary whenever a child is born to unmarried parents. If unmarried parents are still together, there may not yet be concerns about obtaining court orders for child support and a parenting plan.

However, parents may choose to establish paternity if they need the family courts to provide a legally enforceable custody order and child support arrangement. For parents who aren’t together, custody and child support issues must be settled, which is when paternity becomes necessary.

Q: Do Married Parents Ever Need to Prove Parentage in AZ?

A: There are instances where married parents may want to or are required to prove parentage in Arizona. The mother’s name is automatically put on the birth certificate after her child is born. If the mother is married, the father is assumed to be her husband, so proving fatherhood is not legally required, even when the spouses divorce. However, if either parent claims there was infidelity within the marriage, paternity may be challenged, and legal proceedings tend to follow.

Q: How Much Does a Paternity Lawyer Cost in AZ?

A: In Arizona, the costs of a paternity lawyer can vary, depending on the details of your case. The complexity of your case can impact the lawyer’s fees since it dictates how long the case may ultimately take. Generally, attorneys charge a flat fee for straightforward paternity cases. Many family law attorneys in Arizona charge a retainer fee, which is like a down payment that gets subtracted from your total, in addition to an hourly fee.

Q: How Long Will My Paternity Case Take in Arizona?

A: In Arizona, establishing paternity may take anywhere from a few months to a year or longer, depending on the circumstances of your case. Factors that can impact how long a paternity case takes to finish include both parents’ willingness to cooperate, court scheduling, procedural delays, and other important details. Paternity cases that are highly contested, thus requiring legal proceedings and the intervention of family courts, tend to take much longer to settle than when all parties are cooperative.

A Strong Paternity Lawyer in Glendale, AZ

When you work with the legal professionals at Lazenby Law Firm, you can feel confident in your future. Our family law attorney can work tirelessly on your behalf so you can have the most optimal outcome possible, given the circumstances. We can build a plan based on your personal needs, goals, and priorities. Reach out to us today to schedule an initial consultation with a skilled family law and paternity lawyer.