Paternity Lawyer Cost

Paternity lawyers typically charge an initial retainer fee between $3,500-$5,000. Following this fee, paternity lawyers in the U.S. will charge an average of $400 per hour. Prices will range from $300-$500 per hour.

What Does A Paternity Lawyer Do?

These lawyers can assist any parent in proving or disproving paternity when it is disputed. A paternity lawyer is required when a man has paid child support for a child who turns out not to be his biological child or if he was not paying child support for a child who is biologically his.

When parents need to create a parenting plan when their relationship or marriage dissolves, an attorney can be of assistance to both parents. In order to obtain joint legal and physical custody, they can help their client. A lawyer can also be helpful if one parent is requesting sole custody since it is in the child’s best interest to spend more time with that parent than the other.

An attorney for child custody can also assist with child support disagreements. A family lawyer can assist in negotiations to determine which parent should pay, how much should be paid, and what costs each parent is responsible for paying. The attorney can assist you in taking the other parent to court to obtain as much child support as possible if an agreement cannot be reached.

How Much Does A Paternity Lawyer Cost?

As mentioned above, the majority of paternity lawyers charge $400 per hour in the U.S., according to LegalMatch. Prices will range between $300-$500 per hour depending on location, complexity of the case, and lawyer experience.

Here are the typical paternity lawyer costs:

• Lowest cost: $300 per hour.
• Average cost: $400 per hour.
• Highest cost: $500 per hour.

How Can A Paternity Lawyer Help You?

• Advising you on your rights and options. A family lawyer can explain the paternity laws in your state and help you understand your rights and options in terms of paternity establishment. This information can be essential in making informed decisions about your case.
• Helping you file a paternity claim. If you are unmarried and the father of your child is not listed on the birth certificate, you may need to file a paternity claim to establish paternity. A family lawyer can help you file the necessary paperwork and represent you in court.
• Negotiating with the other parent. If the other parent does not agree to establish paternity, a family lawyer can negotiate with them on your behalf to reach an agreement. This can be a complex and challenging process, but an experienced family lawyer will have the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for your best interests.
• Representing you in court. If you and the other parent are unable to reach an agreement on paternity, your family lawyer can represent you in court. This may involve attending hearings and trials, and presenting evidence to the judge.

In addition to these specific tasks, a family lawyer can also provide general support and guidance throughout the paternity establishment process. This can be a difficult and emotional time, and it is helpful to have a trusted advisor to answer your questions and help you make informed decisions.

Here are some specific examples of how a family lawyer can help you with paternity establishment:

• Help you gather evidence of paternity. This may include evidence such as DNA testing, birth records, and eyewitness testimony.
• Represent you in court if necessary. This may involve attending hearings and trials, and presenting evidence to the judge.
• Help you enforce your parental rights. Once paternity is established, you have certain parental rights, such as the right to visitation and child support. A family lawyer can help you enforce your parental rights if the other parent is not complying with them.

If you are considering establishing paternity, it is important to consult with an experienced family lawyer. They can help you understand your rights and options, and develop a strategy to protect your interests.