PATERNITY LAWYER IN TACOMA, WA

Understanding Paternity in Washington

Paternity in Washington state involves legally recognizing the father-child relationship, which establishes rights and responsibilities, including custody, support, and inheritance, as outlined in Chapter 26.26A RCW. If you’re wondering, “Why should I establish paternity in WA?” or “What’s in it for me in Tacoma?”, it’s a game-changer—especially for benefits and peace of mind. For married couples, paternity is assumed, but unmarried parents need to take a step, either with an acknowledgment or a court order, to make it official.

In Tacoma and Pierce County, where about 30% of births occur to unmarried parents, establishing paternity provides access to important benefits like medical history, Social Security, and veterans’ advantages for JBLM families. State data indicates that roughly 90% of paternities are established voluntarily, with only 10% requiring court intervention. For military families, it also secures TRICARE health coverage and survivor benefits. If a mistake is made, you can disestablish paternity through fraud or DNA evidence, but the window for doing so is tight, typically 4 years.

We often hear questions like, “Does establishing paternity automatically give me custody rights in WA?” (not quite, it’s separate, but it lets you petition). Or, “How does this affect inheritance in Pierce County?” (Adjudicated fathers can pass property equally). It also makes things easier, such as name changes or passport applications, without requiring the involvement of both parents. Whether you’re establishing or challenging paternity, we’re here to guide you with personalized support, handling questions like, “Is a DNA test always needed in Tacoma cases?” (no for voluntary, yes if it’s disputed).

Establishing paternity significantly enhances a child’s well-being. Studies show children with involved fathers tend to perform better in school. It can become emotional, though, and that’s where our attorneys step in with compassionate, tailored advice.

The Paternity Establishment Process in Tacoma

The process for establishing paternity in Washington is designed to safeguard all parties. Here’s a helpful, step-by-step guide, especially for Pierce County:

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment: Sign a Paternity Acknowledgment form at the hospital when your child is born or later at the Department of Health—it’s free and grants rights like decision-making and support duties immediately.
2. Filing a Petition: If voluntary isn’t an option, file a Petition to Establish Parentage at Pierce County Superior Court (around a $260 fee, with waivers if money’s tight). Bring the child’s birth certificate and any supporting documents.
3. Service and Response: Serve the alleged father (or mother if they’re challenging); they have 20-60 days to respond, depending on where they are.
4. Genetic Testing (DNA): If paternity is in question, the court might order a DNA test ($300-$500, but the state can cover it if you’re low-income); it’s 99% accurate and holds up in court.
5. Hearing or Trial: Bring your evidence to a hearing. If it’s uncontested, you’ll receive an order quickly. Disputed cases may require a trial.
6. Final Order and Updates: Once the court confirms paternity, we’ll assist with updating the birth certificate and notifying relevant agencies for benefits.

In Tacoma, voluntary cases usually conclude within 2-4 months, while court cases can take 4-8 months due to scheduling delays. For JBLM military families, we coordinate around deployments to keep everything moving. We handle the filings and hearings to make the process as smooth as possible for you. If custody is on your mind, check out our child custody page for more.

Types of Paternity Cases We Handle

We’re prepared to handle various paternity cases to accommodate different family situations in Tacoma.

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity: Just sign a form with both parents, which is ideal when everyone agrees, whether at birth or later.
• Court-Established Paternity: When there’s a disagreement, we use petitions and DNA tests to resolve it legally.
• Paternity Disestablishment: If new evidence like DNA shows you’re not the father, we can challenge it, but there are time limits to consider.
• Relative or Grandparent Paternity: We assist with establishing inheritance or custody when parents are absent.
• Military Paternity Cases: For JBLM service members, we integrate federal rules and consider deployment schedules.

If you’re wondering, “What’s the best way to establish paternity in WA for my situation?”, we’ll discuss your goals, whether it’s support, visitation, or something else.

Eligibility and Requirements for Paternity

Establishing paternity in Washington is relatively straightforward, but certain requirements are in place to prioritize the child’s safety. Anyone, including the alleged father, mother, child (through a guardian), or even a state agency, can initiate the process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Residency/Jurisdiction: The child must be born or residing in Washington for the courts to have jurisdiction.
• Evidence: Documents like birth records, affidavits, or a court-ordered DNA test can assist.
• Age/Status: The child is usually under 18, but there’s no age limit for the father.
• Background Checks: A criminal background check and CPS check help ensure safety.
• Consent: Voluntary needs both parents to agree; the court can intervene if it’s in the child’s best interest.

In Tacoma, Pierce Court requires forms like the Petition for Parentage. If you’re asking, “Can I establish paternity in WA as a non-biological father?”, adoption might be an option if you’ve been acting in loco parentis. We offer a free eligibility check to help you figure it all out.

Costs and Timelines for Paternity Cases

Costs for paternity in Washington vary depending on the method: voluntary paternity is free or costs around $200 for form fees, while court cases can range from $1,000 to over $5,000. Here’s the breakdown:

• Filing Fee: $260, with waivers if you’re on a tight budget.
• DNA Test: $300-$500, but the state might cover it if you qualify for assistance.
• Attorney Fees: $1,500-$3,000 for court cases.
• Home Study: $1,000-$2,000.
• Miscellaneous: Service fees around $50-$100.

Timelines also vary. Voluntary processes can be completed in as little as 30 days, while court cases may take 2-6 months or longer, depending on the level of contestation. In Pierce County, it averages around 4 months. We put in the effort to expedite things by ensuring all our paperwork is accurate and complete.

Common Challenges in Paternity Disputes

Paternity cases can face some obstacles, but we’re here to assist with:

• Disputed Fatherhood: If the supposed father refuses, a DNA test can resolve it, though it may cause delays.
• Non-Cooperation: If a parent avoids service or testing, the court can impose penalties to encourage compliance.
• Disestablishment Time Limits: You have roughly 4 years to contest paternity using fraud or DNA evidence.
• Interstate Issues: The Uniform Parentage Act facilitates cooperation with other states when necessary.
• Military Delays: Deployments can pause cases under the SCRA, but we find ways around it.
• Emotional Strain: Disputes can be hard on children, so we provide mediation to reduce the tension.

We have a proven track record of helping you navigate these hurdles smoothly.

Key Related Issues in Paternity

Paternity relates to several key areas:

• Custody and Visitation: It opens the door to a petition for parenting plans. Dive into our child custody page for more.
• Child Support: It triggers support obligations under Chapter 26.19 RCW. Check out our child support page.
• Inheritance and Benefits: It secures things like Social Security and veterans’ benefits.
• Name Change: You can update the child’s name after establishment.
• Domestic Violence: It can affect how paternity is safely established.

Taking an integrated approach is essential for achieving the best outcome for you.

Paternity Preparation Checklist

Be ready with our handy checklist: Download it here now for free.

Why Choose Morgan Hill PC as Your Paternity Lawyer?

Our paternity lawyers in Tacoma have a strong understanding of Pierce Court procedures and Washington laws, and we are also experienced with local challenges like JBLM deployments that can impact timelines.

Our clients love the results we deliver. One shared this quick but meaningful review: “Established paternity quickly for support.” With a 4.6 rating from over 230 reviews and more than fifty years of combined experience, our team is trusted to handle these vital cases with care and efficiency.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Let’s establish your parental rights today with a paternity lawyer in Tacoma. Schedule your consultation by calling (253) 579-0900 or click here to book one online.