Paternity Lawyer in Cook County, Illinois
Establishing paternity plays a critical role in many family law matters involving children. Whether you are a mother seeking financial support or a father working to secure parental rights, a legal determination of paternity can significantly affect your relationship with your child and your future obligations. At Kulerski & Cornelison, attorney Kari Cornelison provides experienced representation to individuals and families throughout Cook County who need help establishing or challenging paternity.
Paternity cases often involve sensitive issues, strong emotions, and high stakes. With extensive experience in Illinois family law, Kari approaches these matters with care, clarity, and a focus on protecting both parental rights and the best interests of the child.
Understanding Paternity Under Illinois Law
In Illinois, paternity means the legal recognition of a man as a child’s father. When a child is born to married parents, the law generally presumes the husband is the legal father. For unmarried parents, however, paternity must be formally established.
Without a legal paternity determination:
- A father may have no enforceable rights to parenting time or decision-making
- A child may not be entitled to child support, benefits, or inheritance
- Parents may lack clear legal authority to resolve custody and support issues
Establishing paternity provides legal clarity for everyone involved. It ensures children have access to financial support, health insurance, and family medical history, while also giving parents the ability to enforce or seek rights and responsibilities under Illinois law.
Ways to Establish Paternity in Illinois
Illinois law provides several methods for establishing paternity, depending on the circumstances of the case.
Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
Parents may establish paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This is commonly done at the hospital after a child’s birth but may also be completed later. When properly signed and filed, the form grants the father legal recognition along with parental rights and responsibilities.
Court or Administrative Determination
If paternity is not voluntarily acknowledged, it may be established through:
- An administrative order issued by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services
- A court order entered by a Cook County family court
In contested cases, either parent may file a paternity petition. The court may order genetic testing to determine biological parentage. Once paternity is established, the court can address child support, parenting time, and parental responsibilities.
Paternity Disputes in Cook County
Paternity disputes can arise for many reasons and often involve emotionally charged situations. Mothers may pursue paternity actions to obtain child support or establish legal clarity. Alleged fathers may contest paternity claims or seek legal recognition to protect their relationship with a child.
Kari Cornelison represents both mothers and fathers in Cook County paternity cases. She works to ensure that her clients’ rights are protected while keeping the focus on the child’s well-being.
In some cases, a presumed or previously acknowledged father may later challenge paternity based on new information. Illinois law allows a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity to be rescinded within a limited timeframe or under specific legal circumstances. These cases can be legally complex and require careful navigation.
Rights and Obligations After Paternity Is Established
Once paternity is legally established, the father has the same rights and responsibilities as if the parents were married at the time of the child’s birth.
These rights may include:
- Seeking parenting time
- Participating in decisions regarding education, healthcare, and overall welfare
- Having legal standing in custody-related matters
Paternity also carries responsibilities, including financial support. Courts in Cook County determine parenting time and decision-making authority based on the best interests of the child.
Kari helps clients develop parenting plans that promote stability and consistency. Through negotiation or litigation, she works to resolve paternity-related parenting issues in a way that supports long-term family well-being.
Additional Issues in Cook County Paternity Cases
Paternity matters often overlap with other family law concerns, such as:
- Establishing or enforcing child support
- Allocation of parental responsibilities
- Parenting schedules, holidays, and transportation
- Health insurance coverage for the child
- Situations involving parents living in different counties
Cook County cases may also involve coordination with state agencies when child support enforcement becomes necessary. Kari is familiar with these procedures and helps clients understand what to expect at each stage.
For many fathers, establishing paternity is an important step toward building or preserving a meaningful relationship with their child. For mothers, it is often essential for ensuring consistent financial support and legal clarity. Kari provides practical advice tailored to each client’s goals and circumstances.
Why Work With Kari Cornelison
Kari Cornelison focuses her practice exclusively on family law and has extensive experience handling paternity matters throughout Cook County. She understands the legal complexities involved and the personal impact these cases have on families.
From her Oak Brook office, Kari serves clients across Cook County, including Chicago and surrounding communities. Clients value her clear communication, straightforward guidance, and commitment to protecting both parental rights and children’s best interests.
Serving Clients Throughout Cook County
Kulerski & Cornelison represents parents throughout Cook County who need assistance with paternity matters. Whether you are establishing paternity for a newborn or addressing a dispute years later, Kari provides steady and knowledgeable representation from start to finish.
Contact Kulerski & Cornelison
If you are facing a paternity issue in Cook County, it is important to act promptly. Decisions made early in a paternity case can affect parenting rights, financial obligations, and your relationship with your child for years to come.
Contact Kulerski & Cornelison today to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your options with attorney Kari Cornelison.
