At Smith & Smith Law Office LLC, we understand the complexities surrounding paternity issues and are dedicated to helping clients navigate the legal process with compassion and expertise. Our Toledo paternity attorneys are committed to protecting the rights of both fathers and children in paternity cases.
Why Paternity Matters
Establishing paternity is crucial for various reasons. When paternity is established, both parents share financial responsibility for the child, ensuring that the child's needs are met. Paternity determination lays the foundation for establishing custody and visitation rights, allowing both parents to maintain a meaningful relationship with their child. Children also have the right to access healthcare benefits, including medical insurance coverage and inheritance rights, from both parents once paternity is established.
How Paternity is Established
Paternity can be established in several ways:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form, typically available at the hospital at the time of the child's birth. This form legally establishes the father's paternity without the need for a court order.
- Genetic Testing: If paternity is disputed or uncertain, genetic testing, such as DNA testing, can be conducted to determine biological parentage accurately.
- Court Order: In cases where paternity is contested, a court order may be necessary to establish paternity. This typically involves filing a paternity action with the court, where both parties present evidence and testimony to determine paternity.
Our Approach
At Smith & Smith Law Office LLC, our Toledo paternity attorneys are committed to providing personalized legal representation tailored to our clients' unique needs. We understand that paternity matters can be emotionally charged and strive to guide our clients through the process with empathy and understanding.
Legal Services We Provide
Our legal services include:
- Paternity Establishment: We assist clients in legally establishing paternity through voluntary acknowledgment, genetic testing, or court proceedings.
- Child Support: Our Toledo family law attorneys advocate for fair and reasonable child support arrangements that prioritize the best interests of the child.
- Custody and Visitation: We help clients navigate custody and visitation issues, ensuring that parental rights are protected and that the child's welfare remains paramount.
- Legal Representation: Whether negotiating settlements or litigating paternity disputes in court, our Toledo paternity lawyers provide vigorous legal representation to protect our clients' rights and interests.
Contact Our Toledo Paternity Lawyers
If you're facing paternity-related issues in Toledo, Ohio, don't navigate the legal process alone. Contact Smith & Smith Law Office LLC today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Toledo paternity attorneys. We're here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to achieve a favorable outcome for your family law case.
To learn more about how our Toledo divorce attorneys can help you. Call (419) 842-4629 or complete our online contact form.
Why Choose Smith & Smith Law Office, LLC?
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Free Phone Consultations
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Committed to a 24 Hour Response Time
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Exclusively Practicing Family Law
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Put a Fierce Advocate On Your Side
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Affordable Financing Available
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Offering Alternative Options to Divorce
Get to Know Us Through the Eyes of Our Clients
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"She was an amazing lawyer"She was an amazing lawyer She Answered every question I had. Delivered excellency service and even helped me get everything I needed. If I ever have another problem I know who I am going to call!- Gary R.
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"Can not thank her enough"Christine is a life saver. She took what I thought was the end of my life and the system screwing me over to giving me my life back. She is my forever lawyer. Can not thank her enough- Joshua R.
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"If you’re looking for representation who is professional and thorough, this is the place!"If you’re looking for representation who is professional and thorough, this is the place. Christine’s knowledge is outstanding, she is someone who is compassionate and caring for all her clients! She took the time in listening to all my needs and trust her 100% of the way. If you’re ever stuck in a difficult situation for child support and child custody, she’s the person you want on your side helping you fight the battle.- Former Client
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"Christine was confident, had some great strategies of how we could fight this and really made me feel hope again."I spoke with Christine today regarding my divorce case that my previous attorney mishandled. After talking to over a dozen lawyers to try to find someone to help combat the mess I'm in, Christine was confident, had some great strategies of how we could fight this and really made me feel hope again. I am looking forward to working with her, I feel she will do a very good job handling my case and will fight for me.- Amanda B.
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"Christine has been absolutely amazing to work with in an especially difficult time."Christine has been absolutely amazing to work with in an especially difficult time. I am thankful for her knowledge and experience! I would highly recommend her!- Maggie W.
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"Definitely changed my life for the better."She is amazing. I went to her with a super complex case and she got me exactly what I wanted. Definitely changed my life for the better.- Gregory R.
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"Truly trustworthy and honest"Being new to Toledo and new to any kind of court issues, I was super nervous about getting a lawyer and finding someone I could trust. From the very first call I was sold. Misty and Christine both were extremely friendly, caring and even more important, upfront about what to expect. They didn't push me to make any decisions I wasnt comfortable with. I didn't have to sacrifice my life savings and they made things so easy for me (and actually even my now exhusband as well). I feel like if I had needed anything more than I did, they would have continued to go above and beyond. Truly trustworthy and honest. If you need someone in your corner this is the place go to. Thank you for helping me gain my freedom back!- Princess Arielle
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"If you need a family lawyer this is who you call"Amazing family-owned business, if you need a family lawyer this is who you call. Thank you so much for going above and beyond.