Lafayette Paternity Lawyer

Lafayette Paternity Attorney

Paternity disputes can be challenging. The law surrounding paternity can be difficult to understand on top of the emotional issues associated with paternity and its implications. Having the compassionate support of a Lafayette paternity lawyer can make a large difference in finding an appropriate outcome for both you and your child. Make sure your family’s position is defended in a high-stakes situation like paternity.

A Professional and Personal Touch

The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC is passionate about upholding personal freedoms and supporting the role of family in society. We bring a unique perspective and dedication to our practice by treating our clients with integrity. Our practice prides itself on giving straightforward and honest advice to our clients to make sure they feel informed throughout the legal process, which fosters trust and confidence.

How Do I Establish Paternity in Lafayette, IN?

There are multiple ways that a father can establish paternity for their child in Lafayette, IN. One of the easiest ways to do so is by signing an Acknowledgement of Paternity form that is submitted to the court. This can be done when the child is born or after this period. Both parents must sign the form and agree to the acknowledgment. If this form is sent and processed correctly, then the father will be added to the birth certificate.

If there is a disagreement on the father of the child, then a petition to figure out who the father is must be submitted instead. The court might then require the potential father to take a genetic test to determine whether or not they are a genetic match to the child. These tests take DNA from the father, mother, and child to confirm paternity. If this test is successful, then the court can issue an order to make the father the legal parent of the child.

The paternity process is important because it helps the child have access to financial support. They also receive the right to inherit the assets of the father. If paternity is established, then it is easier for the child to build a relationship with their father. If the father desires, they can choose things like where the child goes to school or where they receive medical care. This can improve the child’s ability to develop and support their stability.

There are also other financial benefits that can indirectly benefit the child. If the father has health insurance benefits or other benefits from things like Social Security or being a veteran, then the child might be able to benefit from establishing paternity.

Ways To Contest Paternity in Lafayette, IN

In some circumstances, it is possible that the man who is considered to be the father of a child is not actually the father. To remove him from the birth certificate, a parent must contest paternity. The process and testing requirements are similar, but the outcome might be different from establishing paternity.

If the test results show that the man is not the biological father of the child, then the paternity might be revoked, which relieves them of the responsibility of paying child support or following a child custody order. However, this decision can significantly impact a child’s mental and emotional health due to affecting their level of financial support. This means that disestablishing paternity must be done only after careful guidance and consideration.

It is also possible for the court to consider things like how long the man has been deemed the father of the child. If breaking the paternal relationship between the father and child is not helpful for the child’s development, they might be hesitant to do so. Due to the complex nature of paternity disputes, it is a good idea to seek legal representation from a Lafayette Paternity Lawyer to promote a positive outcome for all parties involved.

FAQs

Q: What Is the Legal Process for Establishing Paternity in Louisiana?

A: The legal process for establishing paternity in Louisiana depends on the circumstances of the family. In some situations, both parents can sign a form establishing paternity when the child is born. If there is an issue surrounding who the father is, one parent can file a petition with the court for additional evidence in the form of genetic testing. If the court finds this to be a valid concern, they can require further testing to confirm the father’s paternity.

Q: How Can Paternity Be Contested?

A: Paternity can be contested if one parent challenges the recognition of a person as the father of a child. This is normally done by filing a petition with the local court along with evidence suggesting that they are not the true father. To resolve these types of issues, the court usually asks for some kind of genetic testing to prove whether or not the individual in question is the father of the child.

Q: What Rights and Responsibilities Does a Father Gain Once They Establish Paternity?

A: The rights and responsibilities a father gains once they establish paternity are significant and might dramatically affect their life in many ways. If a father gains paternity, then they are able to seek custody or visitation rights to build a relationship with their child. They also receive the obligation to provide child support, if necessary, but with this might come the opportunity to influence how the child is raised, which can support the child’s well-being.

Q: How Does Establishing Paternity Affect Child Support?

A: Establishing paternity affects child support by sometimes requiring a father to pay child support payments for their heir. Fathers might be legally obligated to support their children financially once they establish paternity, depending on their income level. Child support in Louisiana is calculated by a formula that takes into account the incomes of both parents as well as the child’s individual needs and how long they spend with each parent.

Assistance With Each Step of the Paternity Process

Establishing paternity is an important first step to make sure that your rights and those of your child are protected. While these issues can be overwhelming, they can be made easier with aggressive representation on your side to help improve the odds of a fair outcome. Schedule a consultation with The Law Office of Joshua S. Guillory, LLC today to learn more about how a reliable paternity lawyer can help your case.