child custody lawyer serving minneapolis, minnesota
Paternity Proceedings Compassion, Strength & Planning in Times of Personal Crisis

Minneapolis Paternity Lawyers

Legal Assistance with Fathers’ Rights Concerns

At Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., we use our years of experience to help mothers and fathers achieve the best possible results in paternity actions and a wide range of related matters as well — matters like parenting time/visitation with a child and child support payments.

When Fathers Seek Paternity

When a child is born outside of a marriage, the father may not have legal rights to visitation (called parenting time in Minnesota) with the child until paternity is established and custody and parenting time are pursued in court. This can come as a shock to many fathers who believe a verbal commitment to a mother or a name on the birth certificate gives them full rights as a dad.

At Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., we help fathers establish their right to custody and parenting time by filing successful paternity actions. Recognizing that each family’s situation is unique, we represent mothers in paternity actions as well. If you are dealing with a paternity action, Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C. can assist you.

A child usually benefits from having 2 parents involved in their life. Two parents can mean twice as much (or more) financial support for that child. It can also mean twice as much attention, guidance, and support as the child grows. In fact, studies show that children are generally happier, healthier, and more successful when both parents take active roles in their lives.

Understanding the Importance of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity is a crucial step for both fathers and children. It provides legal recognition of the father-child relationship, which can have significant implications for child support, custody, visitation rights, and access to medical and genetic information. Our Minneapolis paternity lawyers understand the complexities of paternity cases and can guide you through the process with compassion and expertise.

Benefits of establishing paternity include:

  • Legal recognition of the father-child relationship
  • Access to medical and genetic information for the child
  • Opportunity for the child to develop a relationship with the father
  • Potential eligibility for child support and inheritance rights
  • Ensuring the child's right to benefits such as social security or veteran's benefits

Whether you are a father seeking to establish paternity or a mother seeking to prove paternity, our legal team is here to provide the support and representation you need to navigate these important legal matters.

Paternity and Child Support

In some cases, paternity must be established before a child support order can be granted and enforced. The lawyers at Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., can help with this process as well. We guide clients through the process and act forcefully to protect their interests.

Contact a Minnesota Attorney to Establish Paternity

Contact Mack & Santana Law Offices, P.C., by calling us at (612) 712-3890 to speak with our Minneapolis paternity attorneys.

Commonly Asked Questions

What rights do fathers have in paternity cases?

Fathers may not have legal rights to visitation or custody until paternity is established and pursued in court. It's important for fathers to seek legal assistance to establish their rights.

How can paternity affect child support?

In some cases, paternity must be established before a child support order can be granted and enforced. Legal guidance can help navigate this process and protect your interests.

Why is it important to establish paternity?

Establishing paternity is crucial for both parents to ensure legal rights to visitation, custody, and child support. It also benefits the child by having both parents involved in their life.

Helpful Resources