Bull Reinhardt Bowkett Law Offices
Schedule A Consultation | 828-254-0499
Bull Reinhardt Bowkett Law Offices
828-254-0499
More Than 60 Years Of Combined Family Law Experience
The National Trial Lawyers | Top 40 Under 40
Avvo Rating | Superb | Top Attorney Family
Martindale-Hubbell | AV Preeminent | Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence | 2024
Avvo Rating | 10.0 Superb | Top Attorney
BV | LexisNexis | Martindale-Hubbell | Distinguished | For Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Rated by Super Lawyers | Rising Stars | Christopher B. Reinhardt | SuperLawyers.com
The National Trial Lawyers | Top 40 Under 40
Avvo Rating | Superb | Top Attorney Family
Martindale-Hubbell | AV Preeminent | Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence | 2024
Avvo Rating | 10.0 Superb | Top Attorney
BV | LexisNexis | Martindale-Hubbell | Distinguished | For Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Rated by Super Lawyers | Rising Stars | Christopher B. Reinhardt | SuperLawyers.com

Establishing Paternity In North Carolina: Asheville Paternity Lawyers

Last updated on September 6, 2024

Establishing paternity can be important for a lot of reasons. From establishing child support to securing inheritance rights, a paternity lawyer can help you understand why paternity actions are valuable.

At Bull, Reinhardt, and Bowkett, our family law attorneys have built a reputation in the Asheville community for helping clients resolve complex legal challenges. Our legal team consists of tough litigators and negotiators who are especially adept at dealing with complicated issues. Our team takes a straightforward approach and offers practical solutions to assist you in resolving legal challenges like establishing paternity.

Why Is Establishing Paternity Important?

Establishing paternity is crucial for several reasons. Under North Carolina law, paternity determines the legal father of a child, which can have significant implications for both the child and the parents. Here are a few key reasons why establishing paternity is important:

  • Child support: Establishing paternity is a prerequisite for obtaining child support. Without legal paternity, the court cannot order a father to pay child support.
  • Custody and visitation: Legal paternity allows fathers to seek custody or visitation rights.
  • Medical history: A comprehensive medical history that includes both parents’ biological information is useful and sometimes critical for a child’s health.
  • Inheritance rights: A child might not be able to inherit from their father if paternity has not been established.
  • Benefits: Biological children might be eligible for certain benefits under their legal father, including Social Security, health insurance or military benefits.

Even in a divorce setting, establishing paternity can clarify parental rights and responsibilities, making it easier to resolve custody and support issues. Our paternity lawyers at Bull, Reinhardt, and Bowkett, have more than 60 years of combined experience helping families in western North Carolina resolve family law challenges, like paternity actions. They can help you better understand the benefits of initiating legal action to establish paternity.

How Is Paternity Established In North Carolina?

Every case is different, with unique sets of facts and circumstances. In the state of North Carolina, paternity can be established through several methods:

  • Marriage: If a child is born during a marriage, the husband is presumed to be the father.
  • Affidavit: Both parents can sign an Affidavit of Parentage, a legal document that acknowledges paternity.
  • Court order: If paternity is being disputed or denied, either parent can ask the court to establish paternity by filing a petition in a North Carolina court. With today’s biological technologies, the court can simply order that the father undergo genetic testing to determine if he is the biological father of the child.

Our family law attorneys can guide you through the process of establishing paternity, whether it involves signing an affidavit or going to court. We are here to advocate for your interests and ensure that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Consult An Asheville Paternity Lawyer

If you need assistance with establishing paternity, we encourage you to contact Bull, Reinhardt, and Bowkett. Call us at 828-254-0499 or you can also send us a message through our website. Let our experienced attorneys help you secure legal rights for yourself and your child.

“My wife and I had to go to Asheville from Alabama and didn’t know anyone in North Carolina and had to have an attorney to do some paperwork for us. We found this awesome lawyer who agreed to help us. He did the work and even went to the Courthouse to check and see if we needed anything else.

If everyone in Asheville was as professional and friendly as he was, it would be a great place to stay. Thank you Mr. Adam W. Bull.”

– James & Rose, child custody clients

“With less than 24 hours before trial, I contacted Attorney Bull hoping for a miracle. To my surprise, he was able to meet with me immediately & begin working on my case. Adam was pleasant, intelligent, and to the point. In the courtroom he secured me the best outcome possible, with what looked like little ease. If you’re thinking about using Adam Bull, you can’t go wrong.”
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

– Hired attorney

“Hired Adam based on a personal reference for him, couldn’t ask for a better lawyer. He answered all my many emails and even responded to me at 8:30 pm at night. He really put me at ease walking through a seperation/divorce. He is very personable and timely in all his responses. I will recommend him to everyone I know!”

– Randi

“My experience with Chris Reinhardt began in April of 2012. He is extremely eloquent on behalf of his clients. He and his staff are dedicated and work hard to keep you well-informed. He is exceptionally trustworthy, knowledgeable and tenacious. He has brought me through one of the most difficult experiences of my life. I would highly recommend his legal services to anyone.”

– Arlene, a divorce client

“Mr. Reinhardt always returns calls, emails, & gets the job done and does it quickly! That I like. He has handled several legal matters for myself and family and friends, and I have heard no complaints …just praises. He is very easy to talk to and does a wonderful job! He is well worth the money, and I highly recommend him!!!”

“Adam Bull is the best attorney that I have worked with to date! He listened to me and immediately went to work on my case. He accomplished more in three weeks than two other attorneys did in three years! I am very impressed that each time I communicate with Mr. Bull, he answers my questions quickly. I highly recommend that if you need a lawyer, please consider Adam Bull. I am glad I hired him.”

– Gail, a family law client

“Adam and his staff were very competent and helpful while assisting me in my recent divorce. They always responded right away and were very friendly and professional.”

– Sue, a divorce law client

“Chris Reinhardt is a very compassionate and caring attorney. His time and efforts were well-focused, and he was completely honest and communicated each step of the process to me. He was efficient and kind and listened to all of my concerns. I would recommend anyone in need of legal counsel to Chris Reinhardt.”

– Teresa

“Mr. Reinhardt represented me in a proper and factual manner. He is very knowledgeable in many aspects of the law. He is also assertive when need be.”

– A family law client

“Mr. Bull did a great job with my case. He was always able to answer all my questions and got back to me promptly. He also fought hard for what I wanted and had a good relationship with the judge and the other attorneys. Everyone I have talked to, other lawyers and friends have strongly recommended him.”

– Christina, a child custody client