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Establishing Paternity Can Benefit Both You And Your Child

Although married couples automatically enjoy the legal rights and responsibilities associated with raising a child, unmarried parents are tasked with establishing their parental status to enjoy those same benefits. Proving legal paternity can be an important step for both mothers and fathers because it establishes valuable and permanent rights to be involved in your child’s life.

Navigating the family court system, however, can be complicated and time-consuming for those unfamiliar with the process. That’s why it’s important to work with an experienced paternity lawyer when you’re seeking to establish paternity in Southern Indiana. At Fifer Law Office, our experienced team of family law attorneys will listen to your concerns, advise you on the best course of action in your situation and work diligently to obtain the results you seek, whether that be financial support to help you raise your child or lawful rights and access to your child.

Establishing Paternity In Southern Indiana

The benefits of establishing paternity are abundant and typically include:

  • Closer child bonds with extended family members
  • Parenting time and custody rights for both parents
  • Co-parenting decision rights
  • A birth certificate with both parents’ names
  • Access to both parents’ medical histories
  • Child’s qualification for benefits such as Social Security
  • Child’s qualification for father’s health care insurance
  • Child’s qualification for life insurance benefits
  • Inheritance rights

There are two options for unwed couples to establish legal paternity of a child in Indiana. The first involves working with a lawyer to voluntarily file a paternity affidavit, the second is being compelled by a court to submit to a paternity proceeding in an adjudicative process.

In an adjudicative proceeding, the court may order a DNA test to establish fatherhood. In such proceedings, paternity may be uncertain and a need often exists for parental obligations to be met. This may include custody, visitation, care and financial support.

Contact An Experienced Paternity Attorney

Establishing paternity can open new doors in terms of the parent-child bond. Although the family court system can be complicated, an experienced paternity lawyer at Fifer Law Office can shepherd you through and get you the paternity rights you deserve.

If you believe you are the father of a child born out of wedlock or you are a mother who deserves financial assistance from the father in raising the child, the first step to gaining your rights is to establish paternity. Our experienced legal team is prepared to petition the family court on your behalf. Call us today at 812-949-2529 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. With offices in New Albany, we help parents throughout Southern Indiana.