Noblesville Paternity Lawyers – Establishing Paternity in Indiana
Paternity is the legal process whereby a man is recognized as the biological father of a child. With this recognition, a number of important rights also arise:
- The father will have parenting time and other rights to see his child, and will have some degree over being able to have a say in how the child is reared,
- The father will be obligated to provide support for the child, and
- The child will have access to Social Security dependent or survivor benefits, inheritance rights, life and health insurance benefits and Veteran’s benefits.
As Noblesville and Hamilton Paternity lawyers, we help clients obtain the legal recognition of their rights and the rights of the child that is the subject of paternity. It is critical for all parties, particularly the child, that paternity be properly recognized.
Indiana Paternity Law
In Indiana, a man is presumed to be the father of a child if he and his wife are married when the child is born, or if the child is born no later than 300 days after the marriage ends. In all other cases, legal paternity must be established by a Paternity Affidavit or a Court Order.
A Paternity Affidavit is a legal document that permits a man and a woman to declare, under penalty of perjury, that the man is the biological father of a child without obtaining a court order. A paternity affidavit may be completed at the hospital within 72 hours of the child’s birth or at your local health department any time before the child is emancipated.
The other way to establish paternity is by either parent filing an action in an appropriate Indiana court seeking a determination of paternity. The court may order the parties to undergo genetic testing. The court may also hear evidence and make a decision as to whether or not paternity should be established by court order. It is important to understand that establishing paternity, whether it be by Court Order or a Paternity Affidavit, gives rise to certain rights and responsibilities regarding custody, parenting time and support of that child.
How We Help Indiana Clients in Paternity Matters
We represent clients in paternity matters throughout Indiana, and frequently represent clients in Marion, Tipton, Boone, Hendricks, Madison, and Hamilton counties, as well as clients in the surrounding communities.
We can help you with your paternity matter, and we will provide you with experienced and dedicated representation.
We offer a no-obligation, no-cost initial representation so that you can learn more about the caring and compassionate service that we provide to all clients.