Morris Family Law

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503-278-8764

Committed To Your Family’s Future And Your Freedom

Portland Paternity Lawyer Protecting Parental Rights

Paternity determines who has legal rights to a child and who must provide support. Without established paternity, fathers cannot seek custody or visitation, and mothers cannot pursue court-ordered child support. Paternity also controls inheritance rights, Social Security benefits, health insurance coverage and access to crucial family medical history. These legal connections protect both children and parents.

At Morris Family Law, we help Portland families navigate paternity cases with compassion and skill. Whether you need to establish paternity, challenge it or understand your rights, our team provides the advocacy-focused representation you deserve. We also handle related matters like child custody and child support to protect your family’s interests.

Ways To Establish Paternity In Oregon

Oregon law provides several methods for establishing legal paternity:

  • Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (VAP): Both parents sign a form at the hospital after birth or later at a vital records office. This creates the same legal rights as a court order without going to court.
  • Court-ordered paternity: Either parent can ask the court to establish paternity. The court may order a DNA test. Once confirmed, the judge issues an order establishing legal parentage.
  • Division of child support involvement: When a parent applies for state assistance, Oregon’s Division of Child Support may start a paternity case and require genetic testing to ensure children receive financial support.

Each method creates legally binding parental rights and obligations, including the right to seek custody or visitation and the responsibility to provide financial support.

Challenging Or Disestablishing Paternity

Oregon law lets you challenge paternity in certain situations. If you signed a VAP, you can cancel it within 60 days. After that, you need to prove someone lied to you, forced you to sign or tricked you with false information. Once a judge issues a paternity order, it becomes final. Under Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure 71, you can’t reopen your case just because you get DNA results later. You must file a motion within one year of receiving official notice of the judgment and prove fraud, lies or new evidence you couldn’t find before trial. A paternity attorney can tell you if you can challenge paternity and help you meet the tight deadlines.

Defend Your Parental Rights With Experienced Legal Help

Paternity cases affect your relationship with your child and your financial future. Our Portland paternity attorneys understand the emotional weight these cases carry, and we fight to protect your rights every step of the way. Contact Morris Family Law at 503-278-8764 or send us an email to discuss your paternity matter and learn how we can help you move forward.