Henderson Paternity Lawyer

Helping Clients Establish Paternity in Nevada 

Nevada law requires that both parents support their biological child. In cases of married parents, the parentage of the child is assumed but, for unmarried parents, the child's father must sometimes be discovered via court-ordered genetic testing. Like other legal matters involving children, these cases tend to be emotionally challenging for those involved and dedicated, level-headed counsel is required to navigate them to the most favorable outcome possible.

At Ford & Friedman, our attorneys understand that paternity is a sensitive matter no matter which side of the courtroom our clients may be on. We work closely with our clients and their families in these cases and offer attentive, one-on-one counsel until the matter is resolved. Both in and outside the courtroom, our clients can rest assured that our Henderson family attorneys will tirelessly endeavor to protect their rights and have their voices heard.

Don't hesitate to resolve your paternity matter. Call us or fill out our online form to request a confidential case evaluation with our team today.

Steps to Establish Paternity in Nevada

As we mentioned earlier, when a child is born during a marriage, paternity is assumed on behalf of the husband. This also applies in cases where a child is born ten months after the parents get divorced, or the mother's husband passes away.

If these circumstances do not cover your case, you'll need a court order to establish paternity for your child.

If a child's mother and father both agree to establish paternity, they can jointly fill out a Voluntary Acknowledgment Form. They can then file the form with the Nevada Registrar of Vital Statistics to establish paternity for the child and add the father's name to the child's birth certificate.

However, if a child's mother and father don't agree on establishing paternity, the party that wants to establish paternity must file a paternity case with the court.

Once a paternity case is filed, the court takes several steps to determine whether to establish paternity. Most commonly, courts require all parties involved in the case (the mother, alleged father, and child) to go through genetic testing.

If the alleged father refuses to comply with requests for genetic tests from the court, the court may consider that evidence of paternity and use that to establish paternity for the child.

Time Limits for Filing a Paternity Action in Nevada

A paternity case can be filed at any point before the child involved in the cases turns 21 years old. After that, neither the alleged father nor the mother can file a paternity case.

The Importance of Establishing Paternity

We often assume that establishing paternity is reserved for "deadbeat dad" cases in which mothers need child support enforced. However, the role that paternity testing can play in the family law arena has grown and often is used by fathers themselves to establish parentage and petition for access to their own children.

• Our firm is ready to assist clients in cases involving:
• Determining whether child support can be pursued from a father
• Protecting the child's rights such as access to a parent's medical insurance coverage or eligibility for certain government programs
• Allowing a child's father to pursue potential child visitation and/or custody rights
• Clarifying rights in inheritance or estate settlement matters

If you believe that establishing paternity would benefit you or your child, then our compassionate team at Ford & Friedman is ready to speak with you. We can provide you with an honest assessment of your circumstances and, if possible, ensure that your rights and interests remain a priority throughout the duration of your case.

You do not have to face this difficult time without a powerful legal advocate in your corner. Contact Ford & Friedman at (702) 904-9898 for support today.