California Family Law Firm Discusses the Importance of Paternity Testing in California

California family law firm discusses the importance of paternity testing in California.

Whittier, CA (PRWEB) August 17, 2008 -- California family law firm Schuster Family Law discusses the importance of paternity testing in California.

"According to California law," said Dennis Schuster, "When a man and woman are married and are living together as husband and wife, and the man is neither sterile nor impotent, if a child is born, then the man is presumed to be the legal father of the child."

However, adds Schuster, if a husband doubts he is the father of the child, then he has two years from the birth of that child to ask the court to order a test to determine if he is the father. This is called a paternity test.

Schuster warns that only a court ordered paternity test is considered valid. Paternity tests taken informally prove nothing.

Remembering that there is a two-year window is important, according to Schuster, because if there is no court-ordered paternity test during that time, the husband is automatically presumed to be the father. And with this presumption, comes child support, adds Schuster.

He adds that although there are certain circumstances when the court will allow a person to request a paternity test after the two years are up, you shouldn't count on it.

Schuster's advice? "When in doubt, test."

About Schuster Family Law

Schuster Family Law is a California family law firm that handles divorce and adoption cases. Schuster is also developing a unique niche in representing parents whose children need special education. For more information, visit: www.schusterfamilylaw.com

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