The Value of Beaver Dam Paternity Lawyers for Fathers Seeking Help

The names and identifying details in this story have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This story illustrates the types of legal matters handled by our Beaver Dam paternity lawyers without divulging any privileged information related to case outcomes or client experiences.

Kathleen Curran, a paternity attorney based in Beaver Dam, WI, recently took on a new client named Jonathan who was seeking to establish paternity and assert his parental rights. Jonathan, a 34-year-old high school science teacher living in Mayville, Dodge County, Wisconsin, was distraught after the mother of his two young children, ages 6 and 8, moved out of their shared apartment, taking the kids with her.

As an unmarried father, Jonathan was concerned about his lack of legal rights regarding his children. He desperately wanted equal involvement in their lives but had no idea where to begin in terms of navigating the complex local court system. That's when he turned to Attorney Curran for guidance.

With decades of family law experience under her belt, Attorney Kathleen O. Curran was well-equipped to handle Jonathan's sensitive case. She made it her mission to thoroughly understand his situation, empathizing with the complications he faced as a single, renting father concerned for his children's wellbeing.

Kathleen walked Jonathan through what to expect from the local Dodge County family court process. Paternity cases in Wisconsin can only be filed in certain jurisdictions, so proper venue was crucial. As the children resided in Dodge County with their mother, that became the appropriate location.

The first step was to open a court case and file a paternity petition, which required submitting various forms and paying fees. Next, the other parent had to be located and served with official notice of the petition. Attached would be a summons compelling them to respond within 20 days. Temporary orders governing custody, placement, and child support could be requested while the case proceeded.

Genetic tests would need to be completed to definitively establish paternity. The court would appoint a guardian ad litem to represent the best interests of the children. Both parents had to submit financial disclosure statements and attend one court-mandated mediation session. If no settlement was reached, the case would be scheduled for trial before a family court commissioner.

At trial, evidence and witness testimony regarding paternity would be presented. The commissioner would issue a final written decision on custody, placement, support, and related matters. That order could be appealed within 30 days if either party objected to the terms.

Navigating these intricate legal channels on one's own can be extremely daunting, especially when emotions run high and the parental rights to children are at stake. An experienced paternity attorney like Kathleen Curran brings invaluable expertise to the table. She knows the ins and outs of local family court rules and procedures that bewilder those without legal training.

Beyond just an understanding of the law, Kathleen also provides critical emotional support at a tumultuous time. She listens with compassion, offers objective guidance, and advocates zealously for her clients' interests. Kathleen helps clients like Jonathan feel heard and protected.

With an attorney's counsel, Jonathan could move forward with his paternity case feeling confident he was making informed decisions with his children's best interests in mind. He knew Kathleen would handle all aspects of the complex legal process while he focused on being the great father he aspired to be.

Those seeking experienced legal representation during contested paternity proceedings can contact Kathleen O. Curran of Sterling Lawyers in Beaver Dam. She has proudly helped many fathers in Dodge County and throughout Wisconsin establish strong relationships with their children.

The names and identifying details in this story have been changed to protect client confidentiality. This story illustrates the types of legal matters handled by Attorney Kathleen Curran without divulging any privileged information related to case outcomes or client experiences.