Establishing paternity is an important legal and emotional milestone for both parents and their child. Once paternity has been confirmed — either voluntarily or through a court order — many parents wonder what happens next.

At Law Offices of David C. Beavans, APC, APC, we help mothers and fathers throughout San Diego County navigate this next phase with clarity and confidence. Our experienced attorneys guide you through your rights, responsibilities, and the key decisions that follow a paternity determination, ensuring your family’s best interests remain at the center of every step.

📞 Call 619-234-7848 to schedule a consultation with a paternity attorney in San Diego, California.

1. Legal Rights and Responsibilities Begin Immediately

Once paternity is legally established, both parents gain equal legal rights and responsibilities regarding their child. This means:

• The father now has the right to request custody or visitation.
• The mother gains the right to pursue child support.
• Both parents share financial and emotional responsibility for the child’s upbringing.

Establishing paternity ensures that both parents are recognized in the eyes of the law, which protects the child’s right to receive support, benefits, and care from both sides of the family.

2. Custody and Visitation Can Be Determined

After paternity is confirmed, either parent may petition the court for child custody and visitation orders. These orders define where the child will live, how much time each parent will spend with the child, and how important decisions will be made regarding the child’s education, health, and welfare.

California courts make custody decisions based on what is in the best interests of the child — considering factors like:

• The stability of each parent’s home environment
• Each parent’s ability to provide care and support
• The child’s relationship with both parents
• Any history of abuse or neglect

Our attorneys work closely with clients to build fair, thoughtful parenting plans that promote stability and healthy family relationships.

3. Child Support Obligations Are Established

Once legal paternity is recognized, the court can issue an order for child support. This ensures that both parents contribute financially to the child’s needs — including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education.

Child support is calculated based on each parent’s:

• Income
• Time spent with the child (custody arrangement)
• Health insurance and childcare costs

Having legal representation during this process can help ensure that support orders are fair and reflect your family’s unique circumstances.

4. Access to Benefits and Inheritance Rights

Legal paternity allows the child to gain access to a wide range of benefits and protections, including:

• Health and life insurance coverage through either parent
• Social Security and veterans’ benefits
• Inheritance rights from both parents
• Access to the father’s medical history and background

These benefits can significantly impact a child’s future security, making paternity a crucial legal step for long-term stability.

5. The Child’s Birth Certificate Can Be Updated

Once paternity is established, the father’s name can be officially added to the child’s birth certificate. This update not only affirms the parent-child relationship legally but also strengthens the emotional and social connection between parent and child.

If the birth certificate needs to be amended, your attorney can help coordinate with the California Department of Public Health to complete the necessary documentation.

6. Modifying Court Orders as Circumstances Change

Family circumstances often evolve over time. After custody or support orders are in place, either parent may seek a modification if a significant change occurs — such as a change in income, relocation, or new caregiving arrangements.

Our team assists clients with these post-judgment matters to ensure that court orders remain fair and appropriate as family needs shift.

7. Why Legal Guidance Matters After Paternity Is Established

Even after paternity has been confirmed, parents often face ongoing decisions about custody, support, and communication. Working with a skilled San Diego family law attorney can help prevent future conflicts, clarify responsibilities, and ensure your parental rights are fully protected.

At The Law Offices of David C. Beavans, APC, we provide strategic yet compassionate legal representation for parents at every stage — from establishing paternity to managing the responsibilities that follow. Our goal is to promote stability, fairness, and peace of mind for your family.

Contact a San Diego Paternity Attorney Today

Whether you’re a parent seeking to establish custody, enforce support, or update legal documents after paternity is established, our team is here to help.

With experience in paternity, custody, and child support cases, we offer clear legal direction and personal support for families navigating these important issues.