Paternity Attorneys in Greeley
Serving Clients in Erie & Throughout Northern Colorado
Establishing legal parentage is a foundational step that affects both parents' rights and responsibilities, from custody arrangements to child support. At Peek Goldstone, we understand that paternity cases often come with deep emotional significance for everyone involved, while carrying lasting implications for both parents and children.
Since 1989, our full-service family law firm has worked with individuals and families on a wide range of matters, including complex parentage cases. Our attorneys bring decades of collective experience to each case, offering thoughtful guidance to biological parents, psychological parents, and same-sex parents seeking to establish or challenge paternity. We recognize that every family's situation is unique, which is why we take time to develop solutions tailored to each client's specific needs and circumstances.
Learn more about how our attorneys can help with Erie and Greeley paternity cases by calling (970) 352-8611. Reach out to us at (970) 352-8611.
When Can a Paternity Case Be Filed?
In Colorado, parents and children, depending on the circumstances, may initiate a paternity petition any time before the child reaches adulthood (i.e., turns 18 years old). Most parentage claims are initiated when either parent wishes to establish support or visitation. However, factors such as who is listed on the child’s birth certificate and if there were other court proceedings such as child support, divorce, or custody (allocation of parental responsibilities) could shorten that time frame so it is important to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as you believe parentage could be an issue.
Presumptive Parentage & LGBTQ+ Couples in Colorado
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 19-4-105 and §19-4-106 include provisions that offer same-sex parents the same right to be considered presumptive parents and to declare parentage as a non-birthing parent. The statutes recognize that families come in many forms and provide multiple pathways for establishing legal parent-child relationships.
Under § 19-4-105, parents can obtain a court order to declare that a non-birthing parent is a legally recognized parent. According to this presumption of paternity law, when a child is born to a married couple, the spouse of the birthing parent is presumed to be the child's legal parent, regardless of gender.
Parentage is also presumed in the following instances:
- The parent has claimed parentage by signing an acknowledgement of parentage and has been added to the child’s birth certificate
- The non-birthing parent has held the child out as their own
- The person is the intended parent of the child, who was born through assistive reproductive procedures and signs a voluntary acknowledgment.
§19-4-106 further clarifies parentage in cases involving assistive reproductive measures. Under this law, a donor is not considered a legal parent and an intended parent who does not give birth is still legally treated the same, as a parent of a naturally conceived child.
Establish Psychological Parental Rights in Colorado
A psychological parent is an individual who, although not the biological or adoptive parent of a child, has developed a strong, parent-like relationship with the child over an extended period of time. Under Colorado Revised Statute § 14-10-123, a psychological parent can petition the court to be allocated parental responsibilities, such as decision-making authority and parenting time, if certain criteria are met. Specifically, the law allows a non-parent to seek custody if the child is not currently in the physical custody of a parent, or if the petitioner has had physical care of the child for at least six months and files the petition within six months after that care ended.
Local Attorneys Helping Colorado Parents with Paternity Matters
Paternity matters can shape the future of parent-child relationships and legal rights. Our attorneys at Peek Goldstone bring compassion, professionalism, and decades of collective experience to each case we handle. As established Colorado family law attorneys, we remain committed to providing thorough guidance and personalized attention throughout parentage cases.
To schedule a consultation with our Greeley and Erie paternity attorneys, call (970) 352-8611. We represent clients throughout Weld and Boulder counties.
