San Diego Paternity Attorney
Establishing Parental Rights — and Responsibilities
When a child is born to unmarried parents, legal paternity isn’t automatic. If you need to establish who the legal father is — whether for custody, visitation, or child support — it’s critical to take the proper legal steps. At Annis & Vercollone, we help clients throughout
San Diego County file paternity actions, resolve disputes, and protect their parental rights from the very start.
Why Paternity Matters in Family Law
Establishing legal parentage (paternity) affects far more than birth certificates. It determines child custody rights, visitation schedules, support obligations, inheritance, and even access to healthcare and education decisions. Whether you're a mother seeking support or a father seeking custody, paternity is the first legal step in securing your place in your child’s life.
Our Legal Approach
Focused Strategy. Clear Counsel. Real Results.
Paternity cases often come with high stakes and strong emotions. We help you navigate this process with clarity — filing or responding to a Petition to Establish Parental Relationship, coordinating DNA testing if needed, and guiding you through every legal right and responsibility that follows.
What We Handle
Petitions to Establish Parental Relationship
We represent both mothers and fathers in legal proceedings to confirm or contest parentage.
Paternity & Child Support
Once parentage is confirmed, we help calculate and pursue fair child support orders in accordance with California law.
Paternity & Custody Rights
Establishing paternity also allows fathers to seek custody or visitation — and mothers to legally formalize parenting time agreements.
Contested Paternity Cases
We represent clients in paternity disputes, including situations involving false claims, denial of paternity, or complex timelines.
How It Works
Schedule Your Complimentary 15-Minute Consultation
We begin with a confidential phone call to understand your relationship to the child and what legal outcome you're seeking.
Assess the Facts and Legal Pathways
We determine what filings are needed, whether testing is required, and what your rights and obligations may be.
Build a Plan That Protects You and the Child
We file petitions, respond to actions, and develop custody or support strategies based on your goals and California law.
Execute with Clarity and Confidence
Whether your case is simple or contested, we guide every step so you never feel uncertain or unprepared.
Meet Your Attorney
James R. Vercollone is a Certified Family Law Specialist with over two decades of experience representing parents in paternity matters throughout San Diego County. He’s known for his clarity, legal precision, and commitment to doing what’s best for the child — and for your future.
Let’s Talk About Your Case
Whether you need to establish parental rights or protect them, we’re here to help.
Contact us to schedule your complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.