The Rights of Unmarried
Parents Under California Law
In California, unmarried parents have many of the same rights that married couples do. But the rights of unmarried mothers and unmarried fathers are also very different in some respects.
At Holstrom, Sissung, Marks & Anderson, we help unmarried parents to legally establish paternity so that unresolved questions of child custody, visitation and support can be settled. Our lawyers are experienced and have successfully helped individuals in Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to navigate this process. They stand ready to help you, too.
For a free consultation — just call any of our three Southern California office locations directly or, contact us online.
Asserting Your Rights as an Unmarried Parent
Whether you are a mother or father, establishing parental rights is a process. In some cases, parents choose to have an informal arrangement with each other concerning support and visitation issues. This can work. However, in our view it is better to formalize your agreement through the legal system just in case your situation changes.
Often, the first step in this process is to prove you are a "presumed" parent under the law. The next may be to obtain a DNA test to establish paternity.
Once the relationship has been legally recognized, both parents will have the same rights as divorced parents have in terms of child custody, visitation (parenting time) and child support.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing both unmarried mothers and unmarried fathers in these matters. Wherever your interests lie, at our firm you'll find the strong and effective legal representation you need to forcefully assert your rights.
To learn more about your rights as an unmarried parent — call any one of our office locations directly or contact us online.
Free Telephone Consultations / Major Credit Cards Accepted
Orange County: (714) 408-7290 / (866) 586-8231
Riverside County: (951) 817-7665 / (866) 930-1949
San Bernardino County: (909) 327-2065 / (866) 331-9473
