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New London Paternity Lawyer
Experienced Paternity Attorney in New London, CT
Establishing legal parentage is a major first step toward both your parental rights and protecting your child. A New London paternity lawyer can help parents work through the legal process of determining parentage so that you can address custody concerns while resolving any outstanding child support issues.
About Us
The New London family law attorneys at Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law have earned the trust of Connecticut clients for more than 80 years through dedicated service and strong advocacy. Our award-winning team* provides comprehensive and effective representation while focusing on each client’s individual needs.
Understanding Paternity Cases in Connecticut
In 2024, there were 1,273,556 cases where paternity was established across the United States. In Connecticut, paternity is now referred to as parentage. This area of law is regulated under the Connecticut Parentage Act and other parentage-related provisions outlined in Chapter 818 of the Connecticut General Statutes and the 2026 Connecticut Practice Book.
A paternity case does more than determine a child’s biological parent. It creates a legal relationship that can affect important family law matters, including custody, parenting time, child support, and the responsibilities of each parent. Our New London paternity attorneys can help you understand what options might be available in your situation and guide you through the steps involved. Some important things to know about establishing paternity are listed here:
- Paternity can be established through a voluntary acknowledgment process or a court order.
- Genetic testing can be ordered when parentage is disputed.
- Legal parentage can create rights involving custody and visitation.
- Establishing paternity may also create financial responsibilities.
Establishing paternity can help give parents and children a clearer path forward. It helps define each parent’s rights and responsibilities, creates more stability, and verifies that important issues involving the child’s needs are properly addressed. By having legal parentage established, families can better understand their roles and move forward with greater clarity.
How Paternity Is Established Under Connecticut Law
Connecticut gives parents a few different options for establishing legal parentage. If both parents agree about biological parentage, they may be able to complete the necessary paperwork to officially recognize the relationship. However, if there’s a disagreement or questions about parentage, the issue might need to be resolved through the court system.
Understanding paternity laws can help parents feel more prepared and know what to expect throughout the process. Courts consider different types of evidence when making a decision, including the examples listed here:
- Genetic testing results that help determine biological parentage.
- Statements from the parents or other relevant individuals involved.
- Documents or other evidence that may support a parentage claim.
- Information that helps the court make an informed determination.
Because paternity decisions can affect your family for years to come, it’s important to understand the process before signing any documents or making agreements that could impact your legal rights. Taking the time to learn your options can help you make informed decisions and avoid potential issues later on.
Reasons Parents Might Need to Establish Paternity
There are several reasons why a parent might need to establish legal paternity. Our New London paternity attorneys can help explain how establishing parentage might impact your family and, depending on the specifics of your paternity case, what options might be available. Addressing these matters through the proper legal process can help provide clarity and avoid potential issues down the road. Some common reasons parents might need to establish paternity are listed below:
- Providing a child access to financial support from both parents.
- Creating a legal basis for requesting custody or parenting time.
- Establishing parental rights and responsibilities under Connecticut law.
- Providing a clearer framework for important decisions involving the child.
- Allowing a child to access benefits such as health insurance, inheritance rights, or other legal protections.
- Giving a parent the ability to participate in important decisions about the child’s education, healthcare, and upbringing.
- Helping resolve uncertainty when there are questions about biological parentage.
- Creating a formal legal record of the relationship between a parent and child.
- Providing stability by clearly defining each parent’s role and responsibilities.
- Establishing a foundation for future family law matters involving child custody, child support, or visitation.
Understanding and resolving paternity issues under Connecticut’s paternity laws can give families more clarity. It also creates a legal framework that supports a child’s relationship with both parents, when it’s appropriate and beneficial for the child.
FAQs
Can a Father Sign Away Their Parental Rights After Establishing Paternity?
No, a father generally can’t simply sign away their parental rights after establishing paternity. Terminating parental rights is a separate legal process that typically requires court involvement, and there are specific legal requirements that need to be met. Courts focus on protecting the child’s best interests before making decisions that permanently affect the parent-child relationship.
Does a Paternity Order Affect a Child’s Inheritance Rights?
Yes, a paternity order can affect a child’s inheritance rights by legally recognizing the relationship between the parent and child. Establishing legal parentage might allow a child to have certain rights connected to that parent’s estate. The specific impact depends on the circumstances and the applicable Connecticut laws that govern inheritance and family relationships.
Can a Potential Father Be Ordered to Take a Paternity Test in Connecticut?
Yes, a potential father can be ordered to take a paternity test if parentage is disputed and the court determines genetic testing is appropriate. DNA testing can provide important evidence when it comes to deciding whether someone should be legally recognized as a parent. The court can consider testing results along with other relevant information before making a decision.
Does Establishing Paternity Give a Parent Automatic Custody Rights?
No, establishing paternity doesn’t automatically give a parent custody rights or a specific parenting schedule. While legal parentage can allow a parent to seek custody or visitation, Connecticut courts need to separately evaluate custody arrangements based on the child’s best interests. Parents might need to address custody and parenting time through a separate legal process.
Hire a Paternity Lawyer: Local Representation Makes a Difference
When you need to hire a paternity lawyer, having a legal team that understands both Connecticut family law and the local court system can make a real difference. At Suisman Shapiro Attorneys-At-Law, we work closely with New London families to provide guidance that’s tailored to their specific circumstances.
Because we live and work right here in New London, we understand the local procedures, court expectations, and legal considerations that can affect your case. We regularly represent clients in local courts where paternity cases are handled. This includes the New London Superior Court on Huntington Street in New London and the Norwich Superior Court on Courthouse Square in Norwich. Our experience with these courts gives us firsthand knowledge of these court systems.
Whether you’re trying to establish paternity, responding to a paternity claim, or need help understanding your legal options, our New London paternity attorneys are here to provide trusted support throughout the entire process. Contact us to schedule a time for a consultation with a member of our New London family law firm.
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