Paternity Suit in France

• This service is for individuals in France seeking legal establishment or challenge of a child's paternity. 
• It is especially relevant for unmarried parents, individuals involved in custody or inheritance disputes, or those seeking to establish legal and familial ties.

• The process requires legal documentation, DNA test results, and evidence supporting the paternity claim. 
• Cooperation from all parties involved, and accurate information are crucial for the legal proceedings.

In France, paternity suits and the establishment of paternity are regulated under the French Civil Code (Code Civil):

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (Reconnaissance volontaire de paternité): A man can acknowledge paternity voluntarily by making a declaration at the civil registry. This is a straightforward process when there is agreement on the paternity of a child.
• Judicial Establishment of Paternity (Action en recherche de paternité): If paternity is disputed or needs to be legally established in the absence of voluntary acknowledgment, affected parties can initiate a paternity suit in court. This legal action can be taken by the child, the mother, or the man alleging to be the father.
• Time Limits for Filing a Paternity Suit: There are specific time limits within which a paternity suit must be filed. Generally, an action to establish paternity must be initiated before the child reaches a certain age, but exceptions and specific conditions apply, reflecting the importance of establishing familial bonds and responsibilities.
• Use of DNA Testing: DNA tests can be ordered by the court to determine paternity, but such tests are conducted under judicial supervision, and their initiation usually requires a court order as part of the legal proceedings.
• Effects of Established Paternity: Establishing paternity has significant legal effects, including the father's rights and obligations toward the child, such as custody, visitation rights, and child support. It also grants the child inheritance rights and other legal benefits.
• Contesting Paternity (Contestation de paternité): There is also a legal process for contesting an established paternity, which, like establishing paternity, is subject to specific procedural rules and time limits.

1. Initial Consultation: Understanding the client's situation and outlining the legal framework.
2. Filing the Suit: Preparing and submitting legal documents to initiate the paternity suit.
3. DNA Evidence: Arranging DNA tests and presenting results as a part of the suit, as regulated by the French Civil Code, particularly Articles 16-11 to 16-13 and Public Health Code (Code de la Santé Publique)
4. Legal Representation: Advocating for the client's interests in court hearings.
5. Final Resolution: Seeking a legal determination of paternity in line with French family law.

• Expert Legal Knowledge: Proficiency in French family law pertaining to paternity issues.
• Customised Legal Strategy: Each case is different, and therefore so is our approach.
• Confidentiality and Sensitivity: Ensuring privacy and understanding in handling sensitive cases.
• Comprehensive Support: Guidance through the entirety of the legal process.
• Focused Outcomes: Aimed at achieving favourable results for the client.