• David Starks
• Marc T. Christianson
• Jennifer J. Payseno
• Susan J. Shulenberger
• Justin Sedell
• Kim Schnuelle
• Lisa Dufour
• Sharon L. Friedrich
• Laura Carlsen
• Elizabeth Bianchi
• Jessica T. Moore
• Annelisa Smith
• Jamie Walker
• Christina Smith
• Lindsay Noel
• Krista Stipe
• Lindsay Camandona
• Rita Herrera Irvin
• Sands McKinley

Parentage/Paternity in Seattle

A paternity or parentage action is an action commenced to establish or disestablish paternity and provide for a parenting plan and financial support of a child born to an unmarried couple.

A paternity action may be brought by either the father or the mother of a child. A father may wish to establish that he is the legal father of the child for several reasons ranging from having his name placed on the child's birth certificate to establishing a parenting plan for visitation between him and the child. A mother may wish to establish paternity for many reasons also, including establishing child support for the child. McKinley Irvin, a Seattle family law firm, have attorneys with extensive experience in paternity actions and can discuss all the nuances of a paternity suit with you.

For Washington State family law mandatory forms on Paternity, please see Seattle family law forms.

A paternity action may also be brought by the State on behalf of a child if the mother is receiving financial assistance from the State, or if otherwise requested. However, often paternity actions brought by the State only establish a declaration of parentage and a child support order and do not establish a parenting plan. Consultation with a Seattle family law firm like McKinley Irvin can answer your questions about paternity and parenting plans.

Paternity is normally determined through DNA genetic testing of the parties and the child. The parties can also agree on paternity to save on the expense and process of testing. Child support obligation amounts are set based on Washington State child support law, with the main consideration being the income of the parties. Under the law, every child has the right to financial support from his or her parents, and legal procedures are available to deal with unemployed or underemployed parents.

Establishing paternity involves many legal nuances and consequences. A McKinley Irvin family law attorney should be consulted so that the party can be informed of his or her legal rights and interests.

For specific statutory language regarding paternity please see Chapter 26.26 RCW: Uniform parentage act.