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Family Law

Things To Consider When Choosing A Good Family Lawyer

family lawyer

A family lawyer deals with legal issues that affect the people who live in a specific household. They help clients with cases such as divorce, child custody, and estate planning. Their responsibilities may include preparing legal documents, attending court hearings, and advising clients on their rights.

A career as a family lawyer can be very rewarding. It involves helping people through difficult times and giving them a sense of hope for the future.

You’ll need to have a strong understanding of the law and an ability to represent your clients fairly in court, while maintaining compassion and empathy. It also requires strong problem-solving and analytical skills that will allow you to identify the best solution for your client’s case.

Becoming a family lawyer is a big commitment and you must be prepared to put in long hours. As a result, it is important to choose a law school that offers you the resources and guidance you need to succeed in this field.

The first step is to explore the various schools that offer family law programs. You can begin by visiting their websites and scheduling informational interviews with their faculty members or alumni. You can also attend events and conferences where you can meet with other legal students, lawyers, and family law professors.

To become a family lawyer, you must graduate from an accredited law school and pass the bar exam. Once you are licensed, you can start practicing law and becoming an expert in the field. You can work in private practice or with a large firm.

Family lawyers often represent clients in court for contentious cases like divorce and domestic violence, as well as overseeing family estates and offering advice on areas like adoption and guardianship. You’ll also be required to deal with a variety of legal documents, so having superior writing and research skills is important.

A good family attorney will be able to communicate effectively with clients of all ages and backgrounds. They’ll also need to be able to inspire trust and show compassion while remaining detached and empathetic when necessary.

You’ll be responsible for drafting important legal documents, such as a prenuptial agreement or a court petition. These documents need to be precise and contain all pertinent details, so having excellent writing skills is a must for this position.

Having organizational skills is also a must for this job. You’ll need to be able to keep track of all important documents, including those regarding your client’s assets and financial support. You’ll need to make sure these documents are stored in an organized fashion to protect your clients’ privacy.

Another vital skill for this career is stress management. This is essential to keeping yourself from burning out, especially when working with sensitive cases that can be emotionally taxing.

The best lawyers are compassionate about their profession and experienced in successfully defending the rights of their clients. They are also knowledgeable and understand how to guide clients through the difficult and emotional issues they encounter in their personal lives, so that they can be confident in their decisions.

Family Law

The Importance of Establishing Paternity in Divorce Proceedings

A man can become the legal father of a child in many ways. This includes establishing a relationship with the child, getting access to medical records and other information about the child, or proving he is financially responsible for the child.

Depending on the situation, establishing paternity may be simple or complex. Regardless of the method, it must be completed in order to prove that you are the father of a child and to make sure that your rights as a parent are protected.

One of the most common ways to establish paternity is to fill out a Voluntary Declaration of Paternity form. This is typically completed by the mother and alleged father, who both sign under oath that they have agreed to the terms of the document. It is then submitted to the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics to be registered as legally binding.

Another way to establish paternity is through a court order. This is most common when there is a dispute about the identity of the father, but it can be used in other situations as well.

The primary reason for establishing paternity is to protect the rights of both parents and the child in a divorce or separation. This is particularly true if a father wants to seek custody of the child or receive child support payments.

As a result, it is important to consult with an experienced lawyer who can help you establish paternity in the most timely and efficient manner possible. This will ensure that the time you spend in court is less expensive and that you are able to get more of your case resolved, if at all possible.

If you are seeking to establish paternity, you should speak with an experienced family and divorce law attorney at Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law, LLC today about how we can help. Our attorneys will work closely with you and your family to achieve the best results for your specific needs.

Having your child’s legal father listed on their birth certificate is essential to ensuring that they can take advantage of their right to health care, social security benefits, and other perks. It can also provide them with a sense of identity and help to build a father-child bond.

It is also important for a parent to establish their child’s paternity as quickly as possible, which will allow them to receive the support they need and give them a chance to bond with their child. This will also ensure that they are able to maintain a good relationship with their children and reduce the chance of future issues.

If you are in need of assistance establishing paternity in the state of Miami, contact our firm for a free consultation. Our firm has helped countless men navigate the paternity process and obtain the rights they deserve in Florida courts. Our experienced team of lawyers will be there to guide you through the process and ensure that you get the justice you need in a timely and cost-effective manner.

Family Law

Protecting Your Family Law Rights With a Divorce Lawyer

Phoenix Divorce Lawyer

A Phoenix divorce lawyer in Arizona can help you understand your rights and how to protect them. During a Phoenix divorce, one or both spouses may have concerns about the division of assets and debts. This is where an experienced divorce lawyer can be of invaluable help. During a divorce, the decisions you make can affect your family for a long time to come. Your Phoenix divorce lawyer can guide you through the process to ensure that you end up in the best possible shape.

Whether you and your spouse have children or not, child support is an important issue in any divorce. It focuses on the income and expenses of each party, and the amount of parenting time each party has with the children. Arizona courts have developed guidelines that can be used in child support calculations. However, they can deviate from these guidelines if they deem necessary. You may also be required to pay spousal maintenance, which is a financial contribution toward your spouse’s needs during a legal separation.

If you are involved in a heated dispute regarding custody of children or spousal maintenance, the court can step in and decide these issues. The courts have the power to rule on Arizona child support, restraining orders, Arizona visitation rights, and the termination of a marital estate.

The court may also award spousal support to a spouse who has a significant amount of unequal earning power. In some cases, the court will even award alimony, which is a form of financial support. These issues are complex and can be difficult to understand if you do not have an experienced divorce attorney on your side.

Depending on the number of issues you have to dispute, the legal costs of your Phoenix divorce will be higher. One way to reduce these costs is to use divorce mediation. Divorce mediation involves the services of a neutral trained mediator who works with the parties to resolve issues. This can be less costly than a Phoenix divorce trial, and it can be faster.

Another option for resolving your Phoenix divorce is a collaborative divorce. These divorces involve the parties committing to working together to negotiate and compromise on the terms of their divorce. They are not allowed to file a lawsuit against each other, but they do commit to working together to settle their disputes.

Hiring a Phoenix divorce lawyer is not a legal requirement. If the parties have a complete agreement, they may avoid a court appearance and work out their own settlement. An experienced Phoenix divorce lawyer can walk you through these options and offer you a free consultation.

Many couples who have children find that they are struggling to make ends meet on two separate incomes. Child support can make that difficult. Parents have a responsibility to help their children, and if the couple does not have a divorce lawyer, their resources will be divided between the parents.

During a Phoenix divorce, the court may decide whether or not the parties will share a home. When a couple has children, the court will consider the children’s health care and educational expenses in making these determinations.

Family Law

How to set the stage for a successful co-parenting partnership?

If you are a father in the city of New York, you may be interested in obtaining legal representation from a fathers rights attorney. These attorneys have expertise in family law and are dedicated to promoting the interests of fathers in the courtroom and beyond. They can help you establish your legal standing in the eyes of the law, and they can fight to ensure that you have a fair share of your children’s assets.

In addition to defending your rights in court, Dallas Father’s Rights Lawyer can assist you in navigating the maze of complicated family law procedures. For instance, you might need a fathers rights attorney to file a motion to modify your custody or visitation schedule. A fathers’ rights lawyer can also assist you in preparing your court paperwork and drafting a legal agreement that meets your needs. You might even need a fathers’ rights attorney to challenge the legitimacy of an adoption.

One of the biggest issues facing fathers in the modern age is the lack of legal representation. This is a major issue, as the courts are often biased against men. When this happens, it can be difficult to secure your rights, especially if you are the primary caregiver. It is important to get the assistance of a fathers’ rights lawyer to help you get the best possible outcome for your case.

Fathers’ rights attorneys can also aid you in the art of negotiation. While there is a right way and wrong way to settle your case, it is also true that the majority of cases end up settling out of court. The benefits of out-of-court settlements include reducing legal fees, and setting the stage for a successful co-parenting partnership.

Some of the best ways to secure your rights as a parent are to speak with an experienced and aggressive fathers’ rights attorney. Although this may sound daunting, the process is not as intimidating as it seems. Most of the time, a fathers’ rights attorney can help you make your case with the least amount of effort on your part.

An effective and experienced fathers’ rights attorney can provide you with all the information you need to determine if you have a valid claim. Your attorney can also help you gather all the evidence you need to prove your case. After you have made your case, your attorney can work with the other parties involved to ensure that your rights are not trampled upon.

Fathers’ rights attorneys can also advise you on the legal options available to you in your state. They can assist you in establishing paternity, obtaining a court order of support, and more. With a fathers’ rights attorney by your side, you will be able to ensure that your rights are protected, and that you are given the respect you deserve.

If you are a man in the Big Apple, you should seek the services of a fathers’ rights lawyer as soon as you decide to pursue custody of your children. A fathers’ rights attorney can protect your rights from the onset, and help you build a strong bond with your children for the long haul.

Family Law

Things To Keep In Mind Before Hiring A Divorce Lawyer

When it comes to hiring a Spring Hill divorce lawyer, there are many things you should keep in mind. A good attorney will be able to protect your rights and ensure that your case is settled in a manner that is fair to you.

Divorce is a complicated legal issue that can be emotionally overwhelming. It can also be costly. Hiring an experienced and skilled lawyer will take the stress out of your situation. The lawyer will help you to understand how to file paperwork, how to make a child support decision, and how to ensure that you get the most out of your divorce settlement.

If you’re thinking about filing for divorce, you’ll need to gather information from a number of attorneys. Some people prefer to hire a family law attorney that specializes in the area of their case. You’ll want to consider how much experience a lawyer has and how much they charge. Many attorneys in the Spring Hill, Florida area can be a great resource for you.

If you are looking for a top rated Spring Hill divorce lawyer, you may have a number of different options. Some attorneys charge a lot for their services and others are very affordable. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the latter is a better choice. While they might have more experience and charge more, that doesn’t mean that they are more qualified or knowledgeable.

If you have children, it is a good idea to hire a family lawyer with expertise in the area of child custody. Most divorces involve questions related to how children will be cared for. During a divorce, it is also important to ensure that property is divided fairly. Child support is another major issue that can prolong a divorce proceeding.

Using a mediator can be a good option, but an attorney can also provide a more thorough and comprehensive service. In addition, an attorney will make sure that you have a written contract that you can both follow. An attorney will ensure that all documentation is filed properly and that you’re getting a fair share of the assets.

Hiring a Spring Hill divorce lawyer will save you time and money. Not only will your attorney be able to determine how much child support and spousal support you’ll be paying, but they can also handle the paperwork and ensure that the divorce is handled properly in the local court system.

A seasoned Tampa divorce lawyer can work hard to ensure that you receive a fair settlement. This will help you to ensure that your assets are protected, your personal finances aren’t affected, and that you can move on with your life in the best possible way.

Choosing the right divorce lawyer in Spring Hill can make all the difference in your case. It’s not always necessary to hire an attorney, but it is often a good idea. For instance, a divorce lawyer can help you determine whether you need to go to trial, which can be an expensive process.

Family Law

What is the Average Cost of Divorce in California?

Divorce costs can vary greatly, but there are ways to minimize the expenses. First, if you can agree on major legal issues like property division and parenting arrangements, then you can save money on attorneys. You can also lower the cost by using alternative divorce methods, such as mediation or collaborative divorce. You can also consult an attorney for more information about your specific needs.

The median cost of a divorce is around $7,000. However, some contested divorces can cost up to $15,000, which is still not cheap. There are many other factors that can impact the costs of divorce, such as the type of property ownership. You should also plan ahead. You should be aware of the expenses before you begin the process so that you can better prepare yourself. Consider hiring an experienced divorce attorney serving San Diego.

Filing fees are another factor that affects the cost of divorce. Filing fees can range anywhere from $500 to $3,000, while court costs can be more than a thousand dollars. Other costs may include expert consultations or mediation. Nevertheless, the cost of a divorce can be significantly increased if there are children involved.

In addition to legal fees, divorce filing fees can vary from state to state. Check the official website of your state to determine the exact fees. Additionally, you should contact the clerk’s office to find out the type of documents that will be required. You should also consider the costs of child custody evaluations, which add to the overall cost of a divorce. These evaluations are typically more costly if the couple is unable to agree on custody of their children.

Filing for divorce requires one person in the couple to file legal petitions for the dissolution of the marriage. This can be as expensive as $300, but the filing fee for each state varies. It is advisable to seek legal counsel when you are filing for a divorce if you want to save money. For instance, if your spouse has substantial assets, it may be difficult to divide them equally without the help of a professional. The cost of hiring an expert will vary based on their level of expertise.

Divorce lawyers’ fees can add up to ten thousand dollars in costs if your divorce is contested. This includes attorneys’ fees, court costs, and miscellaneous fees. In addition, you will also likely need to hire an attorney to protect your rights. Depending on the state you live in, attorneys will charge an hourly rate of between $250 and $450.

In some states, a divorce attorney can be hired by one spouse to prepare the paperwork. This attorney will help make sure the documents are accurate and legal. The attorney will also represent the party that hired him or her. Without an attorney, the other party will be at a major disadvantage in the legal process. However, you can cut divorce costs by using these tools to protect your future and reduce the overall cost.

Disputes over custody, visitation, and spousal support can increase the cost of a divorce. However, it is important to note that if you have a higher income than your spouse, you can appeal for financial support. For instance, if you have more money than your spouse, you can use the California State Unified Court system to get the financial support that you need.

 

Family Law

The Benefits of Hiring a Divorce Lawyer

Divorce Lawyer

A Divorce Lawyer is a legal expert who helps you through the divorce process. This process is never easy, but a good attorney can take a lot of the stress and strain off your shoulders. They can advise you on the best way to handle various aspects of the case, including preparing a settlement agreement.

If you and your spouse are willing to cooperate, an uncontested divorce is the best option for you. These types of divorces often have less conflict and are less expensive. Long-drawn-out divorces are often emotionally taxing, and may even compromise one party’s health. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand, allows the spouses to agree on all the necessary paperwork without the need for a trial.

In Orange County, CA Divorce Lawyer can help you protect your rights and finances. The state has very specific laws about family law and divorce. An Irvine divorce lawyer from Brown & Charbonneau, LLP can explain these laws to you and help you protect your finances and relationships. The law office also helps you navigate the court system, and is dedicated to ensuring your best interests are met.

The divorce process is never easy. There are many steps to follow. The laws and rules regarding dissolution are strict and there are many procedural requirements to take care of. For example, the state of California requires that at least one spouse be a resident of the state for six months prior to filing for a divorce.

A divorce lawyer must be accessible to their client and respond to questions within a reasonable time frame. They are not there to listen to personal issues, but they should be able to address them in a clear and objective manner. If you are struggling with personal issues, a good divorce lawyer will tell you to see a therapist instead. This will be less expensive than hiring an attorney on an hourly basis.

The best divorce attorneys take time to learn about the specific issues involved in your family law case. They are also aggressive and will ensure that there is no ambiguity. In addition, they will help you resolve the easiest issues in the case in the best way possible, while still following California law. The best Orange County divorce lawyers also understand how to work with clients with complicated financial situations.

Divorce cases can last a long time. In many cases, the spouses can resolve the divorce by exchanging financial information, discussing the situation with their children, and reaching an agreement. Although divorce cases are rarely resolved in a day, many cases settle within three months or less. Other cases, however, end up in trial, lasting as long as two or three years.

The division of assets is the main source of conflict in a divorce. Assets accrued during the marriage are considered marital property, and must be divided and distributed. However, spouses may try to hide assets from the division process. A Zech Law attorney can uncover hidden assets and ensure equitable distribution of community property.

Family Law

Guide to the Process for Child Support

Child support is money that is given by one parent to the other to help them support their children. It can help pay for things such as food, clothes, and shelter. It can also cover the cost of health care. Most states require that parents of divorced children obtain health insurance coverage. The parent who earns more money will be required to carry medical, dental, and vision insurance.

Depending on the circumstances, the Department of Social Services may file a petition to the court to order child support. The person requesting the support is known as the petitioner and the person who is being asked to pay the money is called the respondent. The person who requests the order must serve the other parent with a summons, which indicates the date of the court hearing.

When the child turns eighteen, a court can suspend the child support obligation. In order for the child to receive this support, they must live separately from both parents for a certain period of time. In addition to this, the child must become financially independent and either marry or enter the military. The child must also petition the same court that imposed the child support order to stop the payments. A family law attorney who specializes in child support can help navigate the complicated court system.

The purpose of child support is to help with the normal expenses that a parent needs to raise a child. These expenses can include food, housing, transportation, clothing, and certain educational costs. Some parents use child support funds for general expenses, such as shopping or going to the salon. These expenses are not considered misuses of child support because they contribute to the child’s education and shelter.

If the non-custodial parent is responsible for making child support payments, it must make sure they make the payments on time. This will likely take some time, as the processing center must wait for the payment to clear before the money is sent. This process takes around seven days, so it’s important that the non-custodial parent is on top of the payments. Fortunately, Houston has started issuing Houston cards, which can help parents avoid the inconveniences of making payments by paper check.

In some cases, it is possible to modify a child support order. In these cases, the court must find substantial and significant changes in circumstances before making changes. In such cases, the court may also issue an order that enables the non-custodial parent to pay more. There are time limits for these requests, so if you want to make a change in child support, you should file your request as soon as possible.

Child support payments are calculated based on the parent’s income and expenses, which were in place before the divorce. If one parent is unemployed, he or she may lower their income to lower their child support obligation. In this case, the judge will “impute” the parent’s income and expenses to calculate the child support obligation. In such cases, the non-custodial parent will receive the child support amount based on the expected income of the non-custodial parent.

The court will divide the parent’s income by their income, including wages, Social Security benefits, unemployment insurance benefits, and veterans benefits, but not Supplemental Security Income (SSI). During the process of calculating child support, the court will consider the child’s age, health needs, and the standard of living that the child would have if the family had remained together. The methodology used to calculate child support varies by state. In most states, the court will make specific findings based on the parent’s net monthly income. Some states also require that the parent pays a specific percentage of their annual salary or bonus.

Child support is an important legal obligation for any couple raising a child. It is a way to make sure both parents are contributing to the child’s education and basic needs. It also helps the parents who have a lower income support their children financially. For instance, child support can cover daycare and health care expenses, which will help the parents maintain a level of living. A child support payment can also cover education costs. Once a child reaches the age of 18, the other parent does not have to provide financial support.

 

 

Family Law

Help for Victims and Survivors of Domestic Violence

While escaping an abusive relationship can be scary, it is important to prepare for the worst. Prepare an emergency kit with extra clothes and keys. Store the bag somewhere safe. Keep important personal documents and money in the bag, too. Also, remember to have the location of your car and home handy. Use your phone cautiously, too. Your abuser may listen to your conversations and even check your phone bill. Be prepared to leave the area quickly if necessary.

Before approaching someone who is suffering from domestic violence, ensure you are discreet. Let the victim know you’re there for them if they need you. Take the conversation slow. It’s important not to give advice or solutions too early. Listen carefully to what the victim says, and don’t interrupt. Let them vent their feelings. Depending on the circumstances, they may need more than one person’s support and friendship. If the victim wants someone to talk to, you can also give them a place to go for support and guidance.

The National Resource Center on Domestic Violence is another good resource. This organization offers comprehensive information on the causes and effects of domestic violence. Survivors of domestic violence can also seek legal aid services from the National Endowment for Financial Education. Further, a person may also be eligible for Medicaid. This will help them get access to affordable primary care.

A domestic violence advocate can offer education to victims about their legal options and connect them to local resources that can provide emotional support, shelter, and financial assistance. They can also help victims locate and contact other local resources that can help them recover from domestic violence. These advocates can also provide a victim with information on the best ways to protect their safety and security. They can also connect victims to local domestic violence resources, including emergency shelters and support groups. If they cannot find any support from a friend or family member, they can also refer them to local agencies that specialize in domestic violence.

Despite being incredibly devastating, domestic violence has the potential to make your life miserable. It takes a toll not only on the victim, but also on the perpetrator. Victims of domestic violence may become depressed, questioning their own actions and feeling like they are the one who caused the abuse. As a result, victims of domestic violence are often afraid to seek assistance, and may even feel guilty about their reaction to it. Sadly, there is no one way to avoid a domestic violence-related emergency.

Although escaping a domestic violence situation is difficult, many women find support in community programs and groups. The National Center on Domestic and Sexual Violence offers consulting, advocacy, and training services. Break the Silence Against Domestic Violence provides a community for women seeking help. These programs also help women to develop financial independence. With such support, women can finally take control of their lives and prevent the abusive behavior that has ravaged their lives. These services are not only free, but also confidential.

The most common types of domestic violence are physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, financial control, and social isolation. It can happen to anyone – young or old, male or female, employed or unemployed. Regardless of race, religion, or gender, domestic violence is a serious and debilitating problem. If you’re the victim of domestic violence, seek help immediately. The Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) can help you take care of yourself and your children. The best domestic violence attorney in Chicago offers free consultation for victims of domestic violence.

Abusers may put the victim down or compare them unfavorably. They may even use drugs or alcohol as an excuse for the violence. The abuser may pretend that the abuse didn’t happen by apologizing to the victim between episodes. The abuser may even harm your family members or pets. Even worse, the abuser may use the victim’s guilt to justify their behavior. The victim must take action if the abuser is planning to hurt her children.

Those who are familiar with the signs of abuse should offer support and assistance. Helping a victim escape an abusive situation can help them heal emotionally. Moreover, the support group will also help the victim start healing. The support group will teach the victims how to stop the cycle of violence. It will also help the victim’s children heal. It is also important to take care of yourself if you want them to be free from the danger of abuse.

 

 

Family Law

Trying to Settle a Divorce Without Filing a Divorce Petition? The Best Family Law Attorney Can Help You!

There are many different aspects to learn about family law in order to become an effective attorney. In addition to classroom training, students can gain real-world experience through internships, part-time employment, clinics, and externships. John Buchmiller and Associates, LLC gives an excellent opportunity for students to interact with real clients while gaining valuable experience in a field they may not otherwise have had exposure to. Students at the clinic are supervised by two practicing attorneys with decades of combined experience.

If you’re trying to settle a divorce without filing a divorce petition, it’s vital that you hire a family law attorney. While many attorneys have their own preferences and experience, a lawyer’s advice is essential. A good attorney will be able to evaluate your specific situation and provide guidance throughout the entire process. By consulting a family law attorney, you can find a lawyer that will help you navigate the legal system in the best way possible.

Although the legal system traditionally focuses on a man’s rights, the rights of a father have expanded significantly in recent years. Fathers are now able to take an active role in raising their children, and courts may intervene to protect the welfare of the child. However, this approach has also led to a few troubling questions. Many believe that the courts should intervene in family decisions only when oppression, injustice, or cruelty will result from not allowing the father to have input into the decision-making process.

In addition to a divorce attorney, people who want to end their marriage can also file a legal separation case. This will end the marriage, and the court will issue a separation order and decide alimony and property division. The court may also grant custody of children, which can lead to an annulment case. If this is not possible, couples may opt for divorce mediation or collaborative family law. There are many different types of divorce in this country, and these options will be tailored to fit the needs of the people involved.

Apart from these basic types of cases, there are a number of other issues that fall under the scope of family law. Establishing paternity is a common area of litigation. DNA testing has made the process less complicated. Other issues that come under the purview of family law include terminating parental rights, grandparent rights, and gay and lesbian relationships. In today’s fast-paced world, the practice of family law is expanding rapidly.

There are several different types of assets and debts that must be accounted for during a divorce. Aside from real estate, personal property also falls under the category of divisible property. Marital property is valued according to the date of separation and is equal among the parties. If one partner acquired a $150,000 boat prior to the marriage, the court will consider this as separate property. If the spouse inherited the same property during the marriage, the spouse with the higher value can keep it.

Older family law did not recognize unions that did not involve a legal marriage. In some jurisdictions, the doctrine of “family veil” was carried to extremes, with fathers being granted autocratic positions both during their lifetime and after death. In the same way, undeveloped societies tended to give fathers similar authority over children but gave the mother special authority over the training of girls. If these relationships were deemed unsatisfactory by the court, it would have been a better choice to end the marriage.

Despite this, many family law attorneys spend a good portion of their time pursuing modifications of child custody and visitation orders. The key to modification is to show that the parties’ circumstances have changed. These circumstances must be documented and the court will be sure to find the best solution. The court will also consider other important factors, such as domestic violence, when making custody decisions. However, if the parties are not able to reach an agreement on parenting time, the court may award guardianship. In this case, the guardian must be able to provide for the ward.

The primary duty of a parent to provide for the well-being of a minor child is to provide for their needs and welfare. This duty extends to adoptive parents and non-adoptive parents as well. Although there is no universally recognized standard of parenting, many legal systems treat adopted children analogously to unadopted children. It may be necessary to seek legal advice about paternity to protect your rights. You can also consult with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your unique situation and determine the best way to proceed.