Schererville Paternity Attorneys

Standing Up for What Is Best for Indiana Children & Their Parents

Paternity actions can be taken to court to confirm or rule out a natural father and child relationship. This is a legal proceeding in which the court makes a finding as to whether someone is the natural and legal father of a child. Additionally, the court will determine matters of custody, visitation, child support, health insurance, medical expenses, educational expenses, and other matters, similar to what occurs during a divorce.

At Tauber Law Offices, our legal team has been handling Indiana paternity matters for decades. Our Schererville paternity lawyers, led by founding attorney Tara Tauber, are available to work on behalf of mothers and fathers faced with a paternity issue in Schererville and throughout Northwest Indiana. We will do everything in our power to secure the best result for your children while protecting your paternal rights.

Call (219) 247-6790 or contact our firm online to discuss your case during a confidential, no obligation consultation. Serving Lake County, Porter County, and the surrounding areas.

How is Paternity Established in Indiana?

When a child is born, a man is automatically presumed the legal father if:

• He is married to the mother of the child at the time of birth, or
• A child is born no later than 300 days after a marriage ended.

Otherwise, legal paternity must be established by obtaining either a:

• Court Order, or
• Paternity Affidavit.

Paternity & Parental Rights Through Court Orders

Establishing parentage of a child may require filing a petition in court. If you believe you are the parent of a child and are seeking access to the child, along with the responsibilities and rights of a parent, such as custody, visitation, child support, and the responsibility to make decisions about the child’s future, the other parent must be served with a petition and summons. This action may be taken by either the father or the mother.

Paternity Affidavits

In many cases, a father will sign a Paternity Affidavit just after their child’s birth. A Paternity Affidavit is a document that allows the addition of the father’s name to the birth certificate. Signing a Paternity Affidavit does not grant a father custody or parenting time, and it does not trigger child support. In order to establish custody, parenting time and child support, a parent will need to file a paternity action through the court system.

This document has the same effect as a judgment for paternity unless legally rescinded within 60 days after the signing or the date of an administrative or judicial proceeding to resolve matters of custody, visitation, or support.

Why You Need a Paternity Lawyer

While some paternity cases are simple, others are more challenging. If another man has signed a Paternity Affidavit, or the mother was married to another man at the time of the child’s birth—or within 300 days following the birth—it may be necessary to prove paternity through the court system. These matters could be addressed correctly with the help of our firm, Tauber Law Offices. The legal matters regarding child support, visitation, and custody should be managed with assistance from a skilled paternity lawyer with experience in these matters.

If you need help with a paternity case, contact Tauber Law Offices today at (219) 247-6790 or online for a consultation.