Lafayette Paternity Lawyer

Lafayette Paternity Attorney

Paternity law is important to understand, as it impacts many other family law decisions, such as child support and custody. Dealing with paternity cases can be particularly stressful, as they have ripple effects on your personal and emotional life. Whether you’re trying to seek paternity or challenge a decision, consider working with a Lafayette paternity lawyer. They can guide you through the process of establishing paternity for a child and help with other key issues.

Delivering Results With Compassion

Located in Lafayette, Louisiana, Eric S. Neumann, Attorney at Law, has been a trusted advocate in family law for over 25 years. Our firm is known for offering exceptional representation through personal attention. We are committed to making sure each client’s needs are met, and we genuinely care about the outcomes of our clients, as well as promoting long-term relationships.

How to Establish Paternity

Paternity establishes a relationship with a parent and child through legal means. This action can seriously affect both the parent and the child, and it can promote stability and clarity. Establishing paternity can help make sure the child is taken care of, as they are entitled to financial support from the parent. It is also beneficial for the parent because they can visit their child and potentially even seek custody of them.

Many individuals establish paternity through voluntary acknowledgment. If both parents agree on the parentage of the child, they can sign a document either during or after the birth to put the parent’s name on the birth certificate.

However, some parents disagree or are unsure about a child’s parentage. In these cases, a parent can ask the court to require the other parent to take a genetic test to determine whether or not they are the parent of that child. This is normally done through DNA testing.

Rights and Responsibilities of Fathers

If someone is declared to be the legal parent of a child, they are given several rights and obligations. A father has to financially support a child, including providing money for expenses like housing, food, education, and medical treatment.  They may also be responsible for the child’s general well-being and for making sure they are growing up in a stable environment.

If the father is considered one of the child’s legal parents, they can make significant decisions on the child’s upbringing, like where they go to school, what medical treatments they receive, and other details about how the child lives. The child is also eligible to receive benefits through inheritance, Social Security, and benefits from veteran status if applicable.

How to Challenge Paternity

If an individual does not believe they are the parent of the child, they might be able to challenge their paternity. This can be done through genetic testing to prove that they are not genetically similar. It is also possible to raise challenges based on improper actions around a voluntary agreement, like if it was signed under pressure or fraudulently.

When challenging a paternity ruling, it is possible to file a petition with the court for them to review the evidence and order further testing. It might be necessary to undergo a DNA test to prove that you are not a genetic match. This could be important to eliminate the obligation of paying child support.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Paternity cases are often quite complicated and can be intensely emotional. It is important to work with a paternity law attorney to receive guidance from a third party. An attorney understands difficult family law concepts and has the ability to explain them to you in a way that applies to your case. If your case involves unforeseen difficulties, an attorney who is familiar with your case can be an invaluable asset.

If you need to file motions with the court, an attorney can make sure they are filed correctly and on time. This can prevent rejections or other errors that can result in critical delays in your case. These decisions are important and deserve the professional attention an attorney can bring to the situation. They can also provide emotional support and neutral guidance.

FAQs

What Does It Cost to Hire a Child Custody Lawyer in Louisiana?

How much a child custody lawyer costs in Louisiana varies based on the attorney. The lawyer’s level of experience can directly affect the outcome of your case, so professionals who have practiced for longer often charge more than newcomers to the field. Some attorneys charge by the hour, while others charge a flat fee, depending on the type of case. It is important to ask any lawyer about their fee structure before agreeing to use their services.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Louisiana?

The length of time a father has to establish paternity in Lafayette, Louisiana depends on the circumstances surrounding the child’s birth. Generally, a father can attempt to establish paternity at any time, but there might be time limits if there is already a presumed father of the child. Be sure to review your situation with an attorney before starting the paternity process to make sure your case is legally valid and follows any legally mandated time limits.

How Does a Paternity Test Work?

A paternity test is typically done through genetic testing. DNA samples are gathered from the child and potential parent through a swab. A lab analyzes the results to examine the DNA and determine whether the child and parent are a genetic match to prove paternity. After the results are processed in a few weeks, paternity is determined. The outcome can affect the potential parent’s legal rights surrounding the child.

How Does Paternity Affect Child Support and Custody?

Paternity affects child support and custody in many different ways. Once it is determined that an individual is the parent of a child, they are legally obligated to care for the child financially via child support payments. It also gives the parent the option to try to gain custody of the child so that they can see and potentially even care for the child. This can improve the relationship between the child and the parent, which may be beneficial for both parties.

Learn More About Paternity Law

If you need help with a paternity case, an experienced family law attorney can help. Have your questions answered by scheduling a consultation with Eric S. Neumann, Attorney at Law, today. Our legal team helps make complicated family law and paternity cases more manageable for all parties involved.