In all matters involving a minor, the best interest of the child must take priority. When both parents are capable and interested in establishing and maintaining a relationship with their child, the lawyers at Pendleton & Herbold LLP will pursue the benefits of having both parents involved in that child's life. When there is a dispute surrounding the establishment of paternity or the payment of child support, we will fight for your rights as a parent.
Fathers' Rights
Pendleton & Herbold LLP has established a strong reputation for providing Iowa fathers with effective legal representation in family law issues. For decades Jean Pendleton has been on the forefront of providing aggressive legal representation for men who are determined to foster a relationship with their children.
A common misconception is that establishing paternity is the same as establishing custody or parenting time. Paternity, custody and parenting time are three very different things, and each has its own distinct legal process:
- Paternity — Legally acceptable proof of parentage.
- Parenting time — Sometimes referred to as visitation, this is a plan that details when each parent will be allowed to spend time with the children.
- Child custody — The parent who is granted custody provides the child's primary address and is responsible for important decisions concerning things like education, health care and religion.
As a parent, it is best to have a clear custody order and parenting time plan in place. This will ensure that your time with your child is legally established. It will also help to reduce conflict between parents and prevent the possibility of the child getting caught in the middle of a conflict.
Mothers' Rights
Child support cannot be ordered until paternity has been established. Unfortunately, simply placing the father's name on the birth certificate is not legal proof of paternity. We will take the time to listen to your situation and go over the details available. In those cases where additional proof is necessary, we will explain what the courts will require and the best ways to go about gathering that evidence. If the father of your child is reluctant to provide the necessary proof, then we will get the necessary legal process started.
Experienced Grinnell Fathers' Rights Attorney
From our office in West Des Moines, Iowa, Pendleton & Herbold LLP represents clients throughout the Des Moines region. Contact us toll free at 888-340-8147 to arrange an initial consultation with an experienced Des Moines paternity attorney.
