Chicago, Illinois Paternity Lawyer

Illinois paternity law sets the guidelines for establishing paternity and outlines the rights and obligations of a child’s parents. Paternity, also known as “parentage,” refers to being a father.  For married couples, both spouses are automatically presumed to be the child’s parents. However, the process differs for unmarried couples.

The simplest method to establish paternity of a child is through completing a Voluntary Acknowledgment Form (VAP).  Most often, the parents sign  the Voluntary Acknowledgement Form when a baby is born at the hospital. When parents are not married, the parent may complete the form  later in front of a witness.

Once submitted, a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity becomes very problematic to vacate.  The only option to vacate an order of VAP is to challenge the order on the grounds of a material mistake in fact, duress, or fraud.  To invoke this provision, a party must file a Motion to Dismiss within two (2) years of the signing of the Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity.

Though this law might seem unfair to those who discover they are not the biological father after two years, it is designed to provide stability for the child.  If you have any concerns about signing a VAP or how to go about challenging a petition, contact Anderson Boback & Marshall to speak with a child custody lawyer in Chicago.

Do You Need a Chicago Paternity Lawyer?

If you have received a petition to establish paternity, contact our experienced legal team to guide you through the process. Whether DNA testing, establishing custody, visitation, support, or other parental rights, our experienced attorneys helps men every day establish and challenge paternity petitions.

Importance of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity early is crucial as it affects your child’s rights.  If you believe you are a child’s biological father and you are not married to the child’s mother on or before the child’s birth date, you should take steps to get registered with the Illinois Putative Father Registry.  This confidential and important step will allow you to receive notice of any legal proceedings affecting the child such as adoption.

Anderson Boback & Marshall – Illinois Paternity Lawyers with Proven Experience

Anderson Boback & Marshall is an award-winning family law firm in Chicago representing clients seeking to establish paternity, custody and visitation, child support and child-related matters as well as clients challenging petitions for paternity. Our experienced lawyers handle complex cases in all areas of family law in Illinois.