Warren County, Ohio Parental Rights Attorneys
Establishing or terminating parental rights is necessary in paternity and adoption cases. In order to collect child support, the paternity of a child must first be established before the court can take action. For fathers who want access to their children, a paternity test must be conducted in order to provide the necessary legal foundation for establishing visitation rights. In cases involving step-parent adoptions, the parental rights of a child's biological mother or father must be terminated. At the law office Rittgers & Rittgers, our family law attorneys prepare and file all necessary paperwork related to paternity and step-parent adoption cases.
Regardless of whether you're interested in establishing paternity to collect child support, establish visitation rights, or terminate parental rights to adopt a step-child, we can help. To schedule an appointment and learn how we can help you, contact parental rights lawyers at Rittgers & Rittgers today.
Paternity, Father's Rights, and Child Support
In order to establish the paternity of a child, the court will order a paternity test. Typically, a paternity test involves the use of a cotton swab to collect DNA from inside the cheek of a putative father. Afterwards, the results are verified in court. Once paternity is established, a mother can demand child support or a father can demand visitation rights. In cases involving a newborn, if the mother attempts to place the baby up for adoption, a paternity test can provide a father with the legal foundation needed to challenge an adoption.
Step-Child Adoptions and Parental Rights
In order to adopt a step-child, the parental rights of the biological parent must first be terminated. If the biological parent isn't willing to cooperate, the process can be complicated by a number of factors. The court may undertake an evaluation of what it believes is in the best interest of a child. Here, a number of issues will be evaluated and an in-home study or psychological evaluation of a child may be ordered. Our attorneys advise clients of their rights and assert their legal prerogatives through court petitions and motions that ensure due process and consideration is given to them.
Contact Warren County, Ohio Parental Rights Attorneys Today
For more information regarding parental rights, father's rights, and step-parent adoptions, contact the family law office of Rittgers & Rittgers today.
