Youtube X-twitter Linkedin Instagram
Call Now: (312) 807-3990
Schedule a Consultation
Paternity

Resolve Your Paternity Case With Help From Our Chicago Attorneys

A paternity test itself is simple and conclusive, but the underlying issues can be complicated and volatile. If you are party to a paternity action, you should have solid legal counsel at the outset from an attorney who understands the nuances and can represent you effectively in legal proceedings.

Schedule a Consultation
Call Now: (312) 807-3990

As Seen On:

CNN_desktop

The Chicago attorneys of the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., represent putative fathers as well as alleged fathers in paternity proceedings. Our nationally known family law firm has handled complex and contentious paternity proceedings in Cook County, statewide Illinois and beyond. We have a reputation as one of the leading fathers’ rights firms in the country, and we vigorously uphold the rights of dads — married or unmarried — to be involved in the lives of their children.

“Although the purpose of a paternity order usually is to provide children born out of wedlock with legal access to a father’s financial support and his estate, the order also affirms the father’s parental standing in the eyes of the court.”
— Jeffery M. Leving®, in Fathers’ Rights

Experienced Illinois Paternity Lawyers

Paternity actions are a common first step in establishing a parent-child relationship, and the rights and duties that come with that relationship, in cases involving parents who were never married. A paternity action can also come into play between married or divorcing couples when allegations of nonpaternity arise due to adultery. In paternity fraud cases, the proceedings can be both technically and legally complex.

The implications of paternity proceedings may be huge, including years of incorrect child support payments or substantial child support arrears, or fathers prevented from having contact with their child. Our attorneys have experience with many paternity scenarios:

  • Putative fathers wanting to establish paternity for custody/visitation
  • Alleged fathers who deny or question parentage
  • Men who discover or suspect they are not in fact the biological father of a child they have raised or supported
  • Mothers seeking child support, including retroactive support
  • Mothers opposed to the biological father’s involvement

The Importance Of Fathers And Families

Continuing a growing trend, the Centers for Disease Control reports that 1.5 million children (40 percent of all births) were born out of wedlock in 2012. While some of those children live and thrive with their unwed parents, millions will grow up without their biological father in the household. When a child’s parents are not married or no longer cohabitating, and the father is out of the picture or scarcely involved, that child is statistically more likely to experience poverty, child abuse, arrest, drug use, failure in school and a range of social, emotional and health problems.

For this reason, the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., is committed to supporting fathers’ rights. We advocate for the positive effect of involved fathers in the family courts, in the legislature, in the media and wherever we can give a voice to disenfranchised dads and the institutions of marriage, families and fatherhood.

When Paternity Proceedings Become Necessary

Paternity does not typically arise in divorce because the law already presumes that the husband is the father, absent clear and convincing evidence to the contrary (such as a DNA test). Often, a finding of paternity by the court or an administrative body is a necessary predicate to a custody action or support claim by unmarried individuals.

A determination of paternity gives rise to the following rights and duties:

Child Support

Once a mother has established a noncustodial father’s paternity, she can petition an Illinois court for a child support order. This duty of support is based on the biological relationship and exists even if the father has not been a factor in the child’s life. Such a determination works both ways, creating standing for the father to assert custody rights.

Learn More

Child Custody

Once a father has established paternity, he usually has standing to seek joint or sole custody of his child. The court’s ultimate custody determination is based on the best interests of the child involved.

Learn More

Visitation Rights

A father may seek a determination of paternity to gain visitation (parenting time) with his children.

Inheritance Rights

A determination of paternity may also give a child some inheritance rights should the father die intestate (without a valid will). Conversely, the father may also gain rights of inheritance under Illinois’ intestacy statute in the event that the child precedes him in death.

Experience In Complex Paternity Matters

Our legal team at the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., has handled complex paternity matters for people throughout the Chicago area, including service members, athletes and public figures. We have helped our clients establish accurate child support awards and avoid unwarranted support obligations for nonbiological children. We have also helped our clients secure visitation, parenting time, joint custody or sole custody of their nonbiological children.

Call our office at 312-473-1050 or contact us online to schedule a private consultation.

Schedule a Consultation
Call Now: (312) 807-3990

Testimonials

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Adam Williams profile picture 
 
 
 Adam Williams 
 
0 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
The Law Offices of Jerry M. Leving excelled in professionalism and etiquette. Atty Hagler & Hartig were incredible resourceful and knowledgable.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Mike profile picture 
 
 
 Mike 
 
7 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving does incredibly important work not only for Fathers but for the children involved as well.

James Hagler’s professionalism, expertise, tenacity and support was at the highest level. Thank you James for all your help.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 J (Jessica) profile picture 
 
 
 J (Jessica) 
 
16 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Looking for a good attorney is like shopping for a handbag. 🤔A fast fashion Coach purse or a handmade durably crafted Hermés Birkin bag?  I chose the latter.

Attorney Hagler is the best. 👍If you’re looking for a lawyer who is highly competent, deeply patient, and genuinely invested in guiding families through difficult transitions, he is absolutely worth the investment.

Yes, this firm’s rate is on the higher end 💰— but it’s proportional to the return on investment. If you do the long term math, it’s worth every dollar. 💵

With Attorney Hagler at The Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving, you truly get what you pay for: premium advocacy, measured judgment, and a level of professionalism that protects both your case and your peace of mind.❤️
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Blake Skeep profile picture 
 
 
 Blake Skeep 
 
38 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I have thus far enjoyed the assurance and relief that Michael Ochoa and Julia Keszycki have given me during my use of Jeffery M Leving Law. Everyone there has been attentive to my goals and concerns, and having a case over an hour away from the main office has not created any hurdles for me or my son. I highly recommend reaching out to this law office to familiarize yourself with what your potential can be in your respective courtroom scenario.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 junior salazar profile picture 
 
 
 junior salazar 
 
38 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I appreciate the people at Jeffery Levings especially Micheal Ochoa,  who has represented  me , for representing me in my custody battle. They show compassion and understanding and will fight for us fathers who just want to be father's. They fight for fathers rights!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Wayne Sivels profile picture 
 
 
 Wayne Sivels 
 
38 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Excellent services provided by my Atty's at Jeffrey Leving Ltd.  I cannot thank Atty's Anthony D' Agostino and Arthur Kallow of the law offices of Jeffery Leving for saving me from an unjust situation. The State claimed I owed child support for a child who became an adult decades ago. I was facing an absolute nightmare. They suspended my driver's license and put a lien on property that I didn't even own. It was a terrible ordeal that took a  massive toll on my finances and health. Anthony and Art stepped in and fought with true passion on my behalf. Thanks to their tireless efforts and willingness to go to great lengths for justice,the claimed arrearages were completely zeroed out. They literally saved me from this continuing nightmare and gave me back my life. I highly recommend D'Agostino and Kallow and the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving to anyone who needs aggressive, brilliant representation. They are worth every penny.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Grace S profile picture 
 
 
 Grace S 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Michael Ochoa is an excellent Attorney at Law.
He is a true professional, compassionate and always took the time to explain things clearly.
My divorce case was exceptionally complicated due to my
ex-husband's mental illness.
I am incredibly grateful to the Law Offices of
Jeffery M. Leving, Ltd especially to Michael Ochoa for his help and support during one of the most difficult times in my life.
I highly recommend Michael Ochoa to anyone going through a divorce.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Aliyah Shields profile picture 
 
 
 Aliyah Shields 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Michael Ochoa of Jeffery M. Levine has done and continues doing a great job on my child custody case. He works hard in detail and great with communication. Highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Lilia Malacina profile picture 
 
 
 Lilia Malacina 
 
39 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
Top flight family law firm that will work tirelessly for the best results.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google Google 
 
 Kaleb Wright profile picture 
 
 
 Kaleb Wright 
 
59 days ago
 
 
 Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
I met Anthony D’Agostino today at Law Office Of Jeffery Leving for a consultation and he’s an amazing attorney passionately helping fathers obtain custody and exceptional time with their kids. Anthony is a father himself so; he understands about life situations when it comes down to father’s rights. Us real fathers in the world deserve the same as mothers we don’t get that much praise but Anthony D’Agostino is the attorney to make a difference for fathers and your voice will be heard.

Kaleb W.

Contact Us

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
By submitting this form, you consent to receive text messages and emails from the Law Offices of Jeffery M. Leving℠, Ltd., regarding your inquiry, including appointment reminders, case updates, and follow-up communications. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Reply STOP to opt out of texts at any time, or unsubscribe via the link in any email. Consent is not a condition of purchase or retention of services. See our Privacy Policy and Disclaimer for more information.(Required)