Paternity Action

Seattle Family Law Attorneys

The case of Anna Nicole Smith drew the nation's attention to the legal process of establishing paternity. However, most paternity actions don't involve wealthy heirs or tabloid speculation. Most of the clients we represent in paternity cases are fathers who want to establish a relationship with their child.

In Washington as in other states, you are responsible for paying child support if you are the father of a child, whether you are married or not. You also have a right to visitation. If there is a dispute about who is the father of a child, either side can initiate a paternity action. The court may then order a DNA test to establish who the father of the child is.

The state of Washington believes that it is important for both parents to be active in the lives of their children. A child has two parents, even if those parents are not married. Through a parenting plan that provides regular visitation, unmarried fathers can establish the bonds of a father-child relationship.

As experienced lawyers, Amanda DuBois and Monica Kaup Carey counsel clients to approach their parenting plans carefully. If you and your child’s other parent should disagree in the future, the court will order you to follow the plan as written. Parenting plans cannot be modified without court approval, which is often difficult. Our lawyers will take the time necessary to explore all the possibilities and design the best plan for you and your children.

If you have questions, please contact attorney Amanda DuBois or a member of our legal team. Our waterfront office is located on the north end of Lake Union in Seattle, Washington.