Your Rights as an Unmarried Parent Matter—Let’s Make Sure They’re Protected

Being an unmarried parent in California comes with unique legal challenges. Whether you’re a father fighting to establish your parental rights, a mother seeking support, or dealing with custody disputes, the law doesn’t automatically protect you the way it does married couples. You need to take action to secure your rights—and your child’s future.

I’m Anthony Catena, and I’ve spent over 10 years helping unmarried parents navigate California’s family court system. I understand the complexities you’re facing, and I know how to get results that protect both you and your children.

Your Rights as an Unmarried Parent Matter—Let’s Make Sure They’re Protected

Being an unmarried parent in California comes with unique legal challenges. Whether you’re a father fighting to establish your parental rights, a mother seeking support, or dealing with custody disputes, the law doesn’t automatically protect you the way it does married couples. You need to take action to secure your rights—and your child’s future.

I’m Anthony Catena, and I’ve spent over 10 years helping unmarried parents navigate California’s family court system. I understand the complexities you’re facing, and I know how to get results that protect both you and your children.

What We Handle for Unmarried Parents

Establishing Paternity

If you’re not married when your child is born, paternity isn’t automatically established. This affects everything from custody rights to medical decisions to inheritance. We’ll help you establish paternity through voluntary declaration or court proceedings, giving you the legal standing you need to be a full parent in your child’s life.

Child Custody & Visitation Rights

Unmarried fathers have the same custody rights as married fathers—but only after paternity is established. We’ll fight for custody arrangements that serve your child’s best interests while protecting your relationship with them. Whether you’re seeking joint custody, visitation rights, or dealing with a co-parent who’s blocking access, we know how to navigate these cases.

Child Support

Child support obligations exist regardless of marital status. We’ll help establish fair support orders based on California’s guidelines, or modify existing orders when circumstances change. Whether you’re paying support or seeking it, we’ll make sure the arrangements are appropriate for your situation.

Custody Modifications

Life changes, and sometimes custody arrangements need to change too. We handle modifications for job relocations, changes in living situations, or when existing arrangements aren’t working for your family.

Protective Orders

If domestic violence or safety concerns are involved, we’ll help you obtain the protective orders necessary to keep you and your children safe while working through custody and support issues.

The Reality of Unmarried Parent Rights in California

For Unmarried Fathers:

  • You have NO automatic legal rights to your child until paternity is established
  • You cannot make medical or educational decisions without legal standing
  • You have no custody or visitation rights until the court grants them
  • The sooner you act, the better your position will be

For Unmarried Mothers:

  • You have automatic legal and physical custody at birth
  • You can make unilateral decisions about the child until a court order says otherwise
  • Establishing paternity opens the door to child support
  • You may need to defend your custody rights if the father seeks time-sharing

Why Unmarried Parents Choose Us

We Understand Your Unique Challenges

Unmarried parents face legal hurdles that married couples don’t. We know the system inside and out, and we’ll guide you through the process of establishing your rights and protecting your interests.

Experience with Complex Cases

From straightforward paternity establishment to high-conflict custody disputes, we’ve handled it all. Our experience includes cases involving multiple states, international issues, and complex family dynamics.

Fighting for Fathers’ Rights

Too many fathers think they don’t have options when it comes to custody. That’s not true. We’ve helped countless unmarried fathers establish their parental rights and secure meaningful time with their children.

Supporting Mothers’ Needs

Whether you need to establish paternity for support purposes, protect your custody rights, or modify existing arrangements, we’ll advocate for you and your children every step of the way.

We Understand Your Unique Challenges

Unmarried parents face legal hurdles that married couples don’t. We know the system inside and out, and we’ll guide you through the process of establishing your rights and protecting your interests.

Experience with Complex Cases

From straightforward paternity establishment to high-conflict custody disputes, we’ve handled it all. Our experience includes cases involving multiple states, international issues, and complex family dynamics.

Fighting for Fathers’ Rights

Too many fathers think they don’t have options when it comes to custody. That’s not true. We’ve helped countless unmarried fathers establish their parental rights and secure meaningful time with their children.

Supporting Mothers’ Needs

Whether you need to establish paternity for support purposes, protect your custody rights, or modify existing arrangements, we’ll advocate for you and your children every step of the way.

Our Approach to Paternity Cases

1. Assess Your Situation

We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and outline the steps needed to protect your interests and your child’s future.

2. Establish Legal Standing

Whether through voluntary acknowledgment or court proceedings, we’ll ensure paternity is properly established so you have the legal foundation to move forward.

3. Secure Your Rights

We’ll fight for custody arrangements, support orders, and other protections that serve your family’s needs while complying with California law.

Don’t Wait.  Your Rights Won’t Protect Themselves

If you’re an unmarried parent in Southern California, time matters. The longer you wait to establish your legal rights, the more complicated your case becomes. Whether you’re a father seeking custody rights or a mother needing support, we’re here to help you navigate the system and protect what matters most.  Let’s discuss your situation and get you the legal protection you and your children deserve.