Paternity Lawyers in Coeur d’Alene

Comprehensive Paternity Representation Across North Idaho Counties

Many people have children without getting married. As long as the parents have a good relationship, the child can receive the love and support he or she needs from both parents. Unfortunately, if the relationship ends, the child can suffer due to a lack of emotional and financial support.

At Walsh & Lewis PLLC, our paternity lawyers in Coeur D’Alene represent unmarried fathers and mothers who have disputes over issues such as child support, child custody and placement, health insurance responsibility, and use of the child for purposes of federal and state income tax dependency exemptions. You can count on us to help you resolve your paternity issues.

Why a Paternity Test Is Essential

The first step in resolving a dispute involving children born out of wedlock, where there is no acknowledgment of paternity filed with the state, is to file a paternity action. A paternity action legally establishes the father of a child who was born to an unmarried couple. If either side contests who the father is, the court will order to have genetic tests completed. However, if both parents agree upon who the father is, then an acknowledgment of paternity can be filed with the state of Idaho, and no DNA test will be necessary.

The following are examples of the types of issues our attorneys can handle in your case:

• Relocation of a custodial parent
• Establishment of child support orders
• Establishment of child custody and visitation
• Modification of child custody and placement
• Responsibility for health insurance for the minor child
• Modification or enforcement of existing child support orders
• Use of the child as a dependency exemption and/or qualifying child credit for federal and state income tax filing purposes

Understanding Paternity Issues in Coeur d’Alene & Surrounding Areas

In Coeur D’Alene, where the community values family and connection, navigating paternity issues can be particularly challenging. Local resources, such as the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, provide essential information on child support and custody, but many families still face difficulties when relationships change. Wherever you live in Coeur D’Alene, the emotional and financial implications of paternity disputes can weigh heavily on parents and children alike.

Recognizing Common Challenges Unmarried Parents Face

Unmarried parents often encounter unique challenges, especially when it comes to establishing legal rights and responsibilities. For instance, if a custodial parent wishes to relocate, it can create significant stress and uncertainty for the non-custodial parent. Additionally, understanding how to navigate child support orders and health insurance responsibilities can be overwhelming without proper guidance. Our team at Walsh & Lewis PLLC is familiar with these local pain points and is dedicated to helping families in Coeur D’Alene find resolutions.

We recognize that every family’s situation is different, and we are here to provide personalized support. Whether you need assistance with establishing paternity, modifying custody arrangements, or understanding your rights regarding tax exemptions, our attorneys are committed to protecting your interests. We understand the local landscape and the specific challenges that families face in our community, and we are ready to help you navigate these complex issues with compassion.

Work with Our Dedicated Paternity Lawyers in Coeur d’Alene

Once the court paternity is established, the mother may have the right to obtain child support, and the father may have the right to be involved in the child's life and be granted custody and visitation. Our paternity lawyers in Coeur D’Alene are highly effective in this area of law, and we can help you establish or de-establish paternity. Backed by more than two decades of combined legal experience, we have gone through the legal process more times than we can count. We can efficiently guide you through the process and ensure your best interests and rights are fully protected.

To learn more about our Coeur D'Alene attorneys at Walsh & Lewis PLLC and how we can help you, call us today at (208) 712-8292 or contact us online to arrange a consultation.
We serve clients in all five North Idaho counties.