Paternity Lawyers Serving Fishers, IN
Helping Clients Establish Their Rights as a Father in Indiana
According to Indiana law, “child born out of wedlock” is a child born to parents who were not married at the time of the child’s birth. A mother’s legal rights over the child are automatically vested with her upon the birth of the child. However, the same is not the case for the father. A father can obtain legal rights over the child either through a signed paternity affidavit or from a court order.
How Affidavits & Court Orders Work in Paternity Cases
If a father correctly and promptly signs a paternity affidavit, the legal rights of the child are vested under him as the legal father. If the father is present at the birth of the child, typically, the hospital will offer the paternity affidavit to the father and allow him the opportunity to sign it. The signing of this affidavit gives rise to the legal and financial responsibilities of the father. However, the specifics of the rights and responsibilities often need to be addressed by filing a paternity case with the court.
If a man believes himself to be the father of a child but was not present at the birth of the child, he can still obtain legal rights and responsibilities of the child as his/her legal father. The to-be father must get a court order proclaiming him as the rightful legal father of said child. A father typically has two (2) years to file a petition for paternity through the court system. If a man does not file for this petition within two (2) years of the child’s birth, it is still possible for the father to gain legal paternity rights; however, it may be slightly more difficult. DNA tests are a possible exception to the two (2) year custom. An individual should seek the advice of an attorney to determine if this is a necessary step.
Contact Our Fishers Paternity Lawyers for Support
Once paternity has been established, the matters of custody, parenting time and child support will need to be addressed. This can be a complex situation for a party to handle on their own. Fortunately, our Fishers family law attorneys are available to discuss your situation, rights and obligations.
To schedule a consultation with a member of our team, contact us online or by calling (317) 434-1490.
Why Choose Massillamany Jeter & Carson LLP?
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A Personalized, Team-Oriented Approach
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150+ Years' Combined Experience
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We Are Active Members of Our Community
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We Treat Every Case Individually
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We Are A Boutique Law Firm
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Initial Consultations Are Always FREE!
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"Chris Jeter and his team stand by my side to help guide me in the right direction."
My name is Kelley R., owner of Wishes Dance Studio. As a small business owner in Fishers, Indiana I have found having a great attorney to be more valuable to me than great accountant. Chris Jeter and his team stand by my side to help guide me in the right direction. His knowledge of small business protected me in areas I didn't even know existed. As a result, it gave me peace of mind, takes away the worry and lets me concentrate on growing the business.- Kelley R. -
"Amazing and thorough..."
Thomas Blessing and his legal aid, Jacqueline, we're so amazing in the manner in which my grandson was advocated for in our local school system. The situation was difficult, to say the least, and Tom fought ethically and capably to protect our dignity and rights for my grandson's educational needs. We won more than the right for him to attend school as an average student, but also make-up time. I would recommend Tom and his team to help with anything educational legal issues you might have.- Kathy -
"Mario is the best"
Mario helped with my husbands case he is super professional and always there to help! He is the best!! Thank you Mario!- Nina -
"We highly recommend this firm"
Our family has retained M&J LLP on several occasions. We were under great stress, did not know what to do next, and believed our situation was hopeless when we met with Mario M., Chris J., and staff. These people are not only brilliant, educated lawyers, but proved to personally care about what happened to our family. We feel deeply indebted to Mario M. particularly for the caring service we have been receiving. We cannot say enough good things to describe the responsible legal assistance we have received over the past year. We highly recommend this firm and will definitely use their services in the future if necessary- Lynn C.