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.
Work With People Who Care
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A Personalized, Team-Oriented Approach
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200+ 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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Small Firm Attention. Big Firm Results.
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Initial Consultations Are Always FREE!
Our Clients Are Our Biggest Advocates
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Finding a good lawyer is hard. Finding one you can actually trust is even harder. Mario is both. He was honest with me about what to expect, didn’t sugarcoat things, and stayed consistent the whole way through.- Jalen
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Amy represented me very early in her career. When I am asked for attorney recommendations, I never hesitate to share her name. She has the great distinction of representing her clients well, and still advising them on if they are being responsible or not.- Former Client
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I feel truly blessed to have found Amy Carson. She did a wonderful job with my case and I feel very fortunate to have worked with her. She was attentive, answered all my questions and concerns no matter the time of day.- Emmy K.
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Mario is absolutely amazing. He is responsive and always at the ready for help. I have relied on him for over two years and his advice is spot on.- Former Client
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From the very beginning, everything was clearly explained, which helped ease a very stressful process. Communication was consistent, professional, and reassuring, and we always felt well represented and informed.- Regina W.
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They were exceedingly helpful, professional, efficient and upfront with costs. Excellent attorneys.- Jordan W.
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His guidance and service was above and beyond all expectations for the given circumstances.- Logan
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I reached out to Tom Blessing for help with a disability discrimination case involving my son. I felt vulnerable and intimidated taking a stand against an entire school district, but having Tom by my side every step of the way was reassuring and empowering- Suzi S.
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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.- Lynn C.
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Mario is the kind of lawyer who actually listens and takes your situation seriously. He’s professional, sharp, and genuinely cares about the people he represents.- Amber D.