Indianapolis Paternity Lawyer

The mother of a child may want to establish the paternity of her child in the eyes of the law in order to obtain child support payments and regulate the father's parenting time. The father of a child may wish to prove his paternity in order to obtain visitation rights or even custody of the child. In either case, Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. can advise and represent you.

Call us at 317.580.9295 to arrange for a consultation. A lawyer at our firm can explain your rights and the paternity testing procedure, and how we may be able to help you.

Establishing Paternity

There are two ways that paternity can be established in Indiana. The mother and father can swear to an affidavit affirming the parentage, or the mother, father, or child can file a paternity lawsuit. Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. can help you in either case.

A paternity test is always recommended and no longer involves a blood sample. Instead, a sample of DNA is taken from the mouths of the man, mother, and the child in a completely painless procedure. The samples are compared, and if the man is found to be the biological father, Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. can take the appropriate step to have the man declared the legal father of the child.

The Responsibilities of Fatherhood

The responsibilities of fatherhood outside of marriage are just as significant as the responsibilities inside of marriage. The father of a child may be responsible for child support, health insurance, or health care expenses not covered by insurance, and primary, secondary, and college expenses.

Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. can take action on behalf of mothers who wish to establish paternity to obtain child support. We can also help them claim back child support, and if needed, seek enforcement of a child support order to obtain the money owed by the father of the child.

The Rights of Fatherhood

Fatherhood outside of marriage may result in parental rights such as parenting time or even custody. Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C. has extensive experience in paternity matters, and the ability to develop and present persuasive arguments before the court. If you wish to assert your parental rights as a father, our firm can represent you.

For a consultation with an attorney at Ruppert & Schaefer, P.C., call 317.580.9295 or contact us online.