Experienced Lafayette Paternity Lawyers
Establishing paternity can simultaneously protect your parental rights while securing your child’s financial future through child support, health insurance, and inheritance. This legal step is vital for any parent dedicated to their child’s future.
At Luisa White Law, LLC, we understand that every family structure is different. In a paternity case, our legal team will work tirelessly to protect your parental rights and your child. Our goal is to help you resolve disputes and create a stable foundation for your child. We want to replace uncertainty with a legal framework that prioritizes your child’s well-being.
Why Is It Important To Establish Paternity?
Establishing paternity can foster a meaningful relationship and provide your child with long-term emotional stability. It can also grant the child access to benefits like health insurance and inheritance rights. Our experienced paternity lawyers at Luisa White Law, LLC have extensive experience in handling all types of family law cases, including paternity actions.
How Can An Unmarried Father Establish Paternity In Indiana?
If a child is born to married parents, the husband is presumed to be the child’s father. If a child is born outside of marriage, the father must legally establish paternity to gain parental rights and establish his financial obligations. Indiana offers two primary paths for establishing paternity:
- Paternity affidavit: A paternity affidavit legally recognizes the father and allows his name to be added to the birth certificate. This document can be signed by both parents at the hospital or a local health department.
- Court order: If paternity is disputed or the affidavit isn’t signed, a father can file a petition through the court. The court may order a DNA test for paternity and, upon confirmation, issue a legal decree confirming paternity.
Once paternity is established, a father can then petition for legal custody, physical custody or parenting time, all based on the child’s best interests. In Indiana, both parents have a financial obligation to their child. Therefore, establishing paternity also establishes a father’s financial obligations to his child.
When Unmarried Parents Separate
When a married couple decides to end their relationship, they file for divorce. The divorce process naturally addresses child custody, parenting time and financial support. However, if you are an unmarried parent, the law does not automatically grant the same protections provided in a divorce. Filing a paternity action will help you:
- Define custody: In a paternity action, the court can establish custody and a clear schedule for where the child lives.
- Protect parental rights: Through a paternity action, you gain the legal standing to attend school meetings and access to your child’s medical records.
- Establish child support: Both parents are legally required to contribute financially to the child’s upbringing. A paternity action can establish child support obligations.
A paternity action is the primary way to protect your relationship with your child. Without a court order, a biological father may have no legal right to visitation or a say in major life decisions. Similarly, a mother may struggle to secure the financial support her child needs without a formal paternity finding.
Speak With A Paternity Lawyer Today
At Luisa White Law, LLC, our paternity lawyers will take the time to understand your story, explain your options and advocate for your child’s future. To schedule an appointment, call us at 765-239-5695. You can also reach out to us by sending a message through our online form.