Geneva, IL Paternity & Adoption Lawyer

Batavia – Elgin – St. Charles – Geneva – Aurora

At the Law Office of Warren G. Sylvester, we provide legal representation to individuals wanting to establish the paternity of children born outside of marriage. We also assist families wanting to arrange stepparent adoptions.

To speak with a knowledgeable attorney about establishing paternity or stepparent adoption, please contact our Batavia law office. We serve clients in cities throughout Kane, Kendall and DeKalb counties, including Elgin, St. Charles and Aurora, and we offer free, 30-minute initial consultations.

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Email Us or Call 630-232-7306 • Free 30-Minute Initial Consultation

When legal action is needed to determine paternity, it can be easily done through DNA testing. Typically, a claim is initiated by a mother for the purpose of establishing child support. It is important for mothers to know that by legally determining paternity, it also may be possible to recover birth expenses. In addition, a judge in Illinois has the discretion to make child support retroactive.

It is important for a potential father to know that if he is notified of any paternity action, he must respond promptly. There are very strict time limits. If he fails to respond when required, he will automatically be found to be the father.

Paternity or parentage cases can be highly complex, especially when it comes to custody and visitation. For example, it is no longer automatic for a mother to be awarded custody. Also, a custodial parent, even of a child born outside marriage, is no longer permitted to move away from Illinois with his or her child without court permission if the child’s custody is in dispute.

Petitions for Removal

In all matters involving paternity or parentage, it is important to seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney.

If you are the custodial parent of a child born outside marriage and want to move out of state, or if you are the noncustodial parent and want your child to remain permanently in Illinois, please contact our firm today. Attorney Warren Sylvester knows how to pursue the best outcome for you and your loved ones.

Stepparent Adoption

Stepparent adoption allows the new spouse of the biological parent of a child to become the child’s legal parent. Both the stepparent and the biological parent who is surrendering his or her legal rights must participate in the petition for the adoption.

If you have questions or concerns about paternity or stepparent adoption, or any of the complex issues surrounding child support or child custody, visitation and parenting time, please contact our law offices in Batavia today and tell us about your situation.