Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
Protecting Rights for Mothers, Fathers, and Children Across the Triangle
When a child is born to a married woman, the husband is presumed to be the child’s father. When an unmarried woman gives birth, however, the picture is not always so clear.
A paternity action is the legal process for determining the identity of a child’s father. Establishing paternity opens the door for a number of issues to be resolved:
In North Carolina, there are three ways of establishing paternity:
Through marriage: When a child is born within a marriage, or the parents get married after the child is born, the putative husband is legally presumed to be the father.
By signing an affidavit of parentage: If the mother and putative father both sign an affidavit of parentage, the putative father will assume the rights and responsibilities of fatherhood.
Affirming parenthood in court: If the putative father denies that he is the biological father and does not sign an affidavit of parentage, the matter can be resolved in court. This often involves the court ordering a DNA test.
Regardless of your situation, our lawyers are here to provide you with experienced guidance throughout the paternity process.
Once paternity is established, the following legal changes occur:
At Ellis Family Law we focus on the whole picture, not just the here and now. We make sure to pair each client with the best fit for them so that the process is as comfortable as possible. With multiple specialists with over 100 years combined experience throughout the Triangle, you can rest assured your case is being handled with the expertise it deserves.
Until paternity is established, an unmarried father has no rights to custody or visitation. Establishing paternity is required to give a father the right to petition a court for custody.
Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
...Everyone is always so kind from Casie and Christina at intake, to the paralegals and attorneys. They promptly answer all questions.
Great experience, Christina is very resourceful and knows what she is doing. Helping me through various obstacles.
...Great experience, Christina is very resourceful and knows what she is doing. Helping me through various obstacles.
Christina is highly knowledgeable and offers excellent service.
...Christina is highly knowledgeable and offers excellent service.
Have been connected to Ellis Family Law for many years and cannot recommend a more knowledgeable, caring, hard working group of attorneys. I do not hesitate to refer to them...
Have been connected to Ellis Family Law for many years and cannot recommend a more knowledgeable, caring, hard working group of attorneys. I do not hesitate to refer to them no matter how big or small the issue. They are truly a one of a kind law firm and am so thankful I can count on their guidance.
Gray is top tier in family law — knowledgeable, strategic, and relentless when it comes to protecting his clients. If you want someone who knows the system and knows how...
Gray is top tier in family law — knowledgeable, strategic, and relentless when it comes to protecting his clients. If you want someone who knows the system and knows how to navigate it successfully, call Ellis Family Law. Amazing Attorneys!
I can’t say enough good things about Ellis Family Law. Going through a family law matter is never easy, but their team made the entire process feel manageable and supported...
I can’t say enough good things about Ellis Family Law. Going through a family law matter is never easy, but their team made the entire process feel manageable and supported from start to finish. They are professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly responsive. I worked with Christina & she was absolutely impeccable and I knew after the first phone call I was in the right place to handle my business. Thank you Ellis Family Law.
Establishing paternity is often the first step in a broader family law matter.
Thoughtful advocacy for parenting arrangements that protect your children and preserve what matters most.
Clear, informed guidance on establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support with care and precision.
Experienced, compassionate guidance through one of the most serious and sensitive family law matters.
And for a fun twist: don’t miss our “Pour Decisions” section, featuring wine tips from our lawyer-wine specialist Gray Ellis!
