PATERNITY Wrongful claims or Paternity and the denial of Paternity can be one of the most emotionally charged events in Family Law. Establishing paternity is a simple process. However, the legal ramification of fatherhood can be very complex. First, being the parent of a child can bring significant financial responsibilities, though not necessarily the right to have a relationship with the child. As the biological father of a child, a man may or may not have visitation, however, it may be possible to obtain these rights, and the ability to enjoy a relationship with the child. Generally, this requires legal action. At Joseph V. Luvara & Associates, we can represent a man in a dispute over the parentage of a child. A man in this situation needs to be aware that once he is declared the father of a child, it can be very difficult, if not impossible to avoid responsibility for paying child support until the child is 18 years old. Let’s discuss your legal options.