Paternity Attorney

Paternity Lawyer in DuPage and Cook County, IL

Establishing paternity is a critical step in many family law cases involving children. Whether you are a mother seeking child support or a father fighting for parental rights, the legal determination of paternity can have lasting implications on your relationship with your child and your financial obligations. At Kulerski and Cornelison, we provide experienced legal guidance for clients throughout DuPage and Cook County who are seeking to establish or dispute paternity.

What Is Paternity and Why Does It Matter

In Illinois, paternity means legally recognizing a man as a child’s father. If the child’s parents are married, the law automatically considers the husband the father. Unmarried parents must establish paternity voluntarily or through legal action. Without a paternity order, a father cannot exercise custody or parenting time and may not have child support obligations.

Establishing paternity is vital for both the child and the parents. For the child, it ensures access to financial support, health insurance, inheritance rights, and vital family medical history. For the parents, it creates a legal basis for enforcing or seeking child support, custody, and visitation rights.

How Paternity Is Established in Illinois

There are three primary ways to establish paternity in Illinois. The first is by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP) form, typically done at the hospital after birth. Both parents must agree to sign, and doing so grants the father legal recognition and the rights and responsibilities that come with it.

If paternity is not voluntarily acknowledged, it can be established through an administrative order from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) or through a court order. In contested cases, either parent may file a paternity petition in family court. The court may order genetic testing if there is a dispute about the child’s biological father. Once paternity is legally established, the court can issue orders concerning child support, parenting time, and parental responsibilities.

Paternity Disputes and Litigation

Paternity disputes often involve strong emotions and complex legal issues. Mothers may pursue paternity actions to secure child support, while alleged fathers may contest claims or seek parental rights. At Kulerski and Cornelison, we represent both mothers and fathers, protecting their rights and prioritizing the child’s best interests.

In some cases, a presumed or previously acknowledged father may later challenge paternity based on new information. Illinois law permits rescinding a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity within a limited timeframe or under specific legal circumstances. Whether you are seeking to confirm or deny paternity, having experienced legal counsel is essential to navigating these sensitive issues.

Responsibilities After Paternity Is Established

Once paternity is legally determined, the father has the same rights and responsibilities as if he were married to the mother at the time of birth. This includes the right to seek parenting time (visitation) and a role in decision-making regarding the child’s education, health care, and overall welfare.

Courts in DuPage and Cook County prioritize the best interests of the child when determining parenting time and decision-making authority. At Kulerski and Cornelison, we help our clients develop parenting plans that reflect their child’s needs and protect their parental rights. Through negotiation or litigation, we resolve paternity-related parenting issues in ways that foster stability and promote long-term well-being for all parties.

Additional Considerations in Paternity Cases

Paternity cases often overlap with other legal issues, including child support enforcement, allocation of parental responsibilities, health insurance coverage, and the creation of parenting schedules. When parents live in different counties or one party refuses to cooperate, additional complications can arise. Our attorneys are familiar with cross-county jurisdiction issues and the procedures used by HFS when child support enforcement becomes necessary.

For many fathers, establishing paternity is a meaningful step toward building or preserving a strong relationship with their child. For mothers, it is often essential to secure financial stability and proper support. No matter your goals, our firm provides clear explanations, practical advice, and strategic representation tailored to your unique circumstances.

Contact Kulerski and Cornelison

If you are facing a legal issue involving paternity, it is important to act promptly and consult with an attorney who understands Illinois family law. At Kulerski and Cornelison, we have years of experience helping clients resolve disputes and establish legal relationships that protect their rights and their children’s future. Reach out today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options with Kari L. Cornelison.

Frequently Asked Questions– Paternity Lawyer in DuPage & Cook County, IL