Representing Men and Women throughout the South Suburbs
If you are involved in a paternity dispute, whether as the putative father or the mother, and whether you are seeking to establish or challenge a finding of paternity, you want an experienced lawyer to guide you through the process. The consequences of a paternity determination can have a ripple effect: there may be custody, child support or adoption issues that arise as a result of the finding.
At the office of attorney Elizabeth A. Call, in Park Forest, I represent men and women in the state courts in Illinois and Indiana, handling a broad range of family law matters, including paternity actions. I stress personal service and attention in all client matters, working directly with you at all times, and never shuttling you to a paralegal or an associate. I work hard to be accessible when you need to talk, day or night (including weekends), or to promptly return your calls or e-mails, if I am unavailable at the time.
To schedule a free initial consultation, contact my office or call me at 708-260-8487 (toll free at 888-493-8916).
My Paternity Practice
I will represent either parent in a paternity dispute, but tend to focus my representation on the rights of fathers seeking visitation with their children. If you are an unmarried father, it is critical that you seek a formal order establishing parentage. Without such an order, you have no legal rights and are at the mercy of the mother.
Among the things you should know as a father in a paternity action are:
- Illinois has a putative father registry. If you don't get an order establishing paternity and put your name on the register, your child can be adopted without your knowledge.
- You must have a support order in place for any payments to the mother to be counted against a child support obligation.
- Waiver of right to DNA testing. If you sign the birth certificate and a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, you can lose your right to a genetic test with the mere passage of time.
At my office, I focus on the issue of paternity first. I will help you take the steps necessary, whether through genetic testing or voluntary acknowledgment, to establish or refute paternity. Based on the conclusions, I will then determine whether custody, visitation or support issues need to be addressed.
Paternity can be far more complicated than it seems. You may not know your rights with respect to DNA testing or admissions or paternity. Take the right step to protect your interests. Hire an attorney.
Contact the Law Office of Elizabeth A. Call
I offer a free initial consultation to all clients. Contact me or call me at 708-260-8487 (toll free at 888-493-8916) for an appointment. I will meet with evenings or weekends upon request. I charge flat fees for some services and will discuss payment plans with you, if necessary.
My offices are located in Chicago and in Merrillville, but I will also meet with you at the courthouse or any other location convenient for you.
