Crowley Paternity Lawyer

Skilled Paternity Attorney in Crowley

In Louisiana, individuals must secure formal acknowledgment of paternity if a child is born out of wedlock, and they wish to be a part of the child’s life. Most people agree that fatherhood involvement in a child’s life is critical for family stability and the child’s overall well-being. Even so, situations arise that can challenge a father’s rights as a parent. In these cases, it’s wise to contact a Crowley paternity lawyer to protect your legal rights and help you through your case.

If you’re looking for a knowledgeable Crowley family lawyer, look no further than Schnaars Law Firm, LLC. Led by Attorney Dyan Schnaars, our firm offers compassionate counsel and aggressive representation to get you through every stage of your paternity case.

We understand how much is at stake in complex family legal matters like these and are prepared to work with you to form a personalized strategy based on your objectives and goals. If you have a smaller issue you need help with, we also offer 1-hour consultations for $100. This is a great way to receive advice for your situation while avoiding extensive legal disputes.

Louisiana Paternity Laws

There are thousands of paternity tests conducted each year, both in the United States and in Louisiana. The purpose of these tests is to determine whether or not a male parent is the biological father of a child. There are two ways to establish paternity in Louisiana:

• Voluntarily signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity (AOP)
• Filing a paternity case with the court

If the other parent is challenging the recognition of fathership, they must file a petition with the court instead. If you’re handling a paternity case in Crowley, you can expect to handle matters through the family law division of the 15th Judicial District Court.

Approximately 45 percent of Louisiana children live in a single-parent household. Part of the reason for this high number is that Louisiana has one of the highest male incarceration rates in the nation.

The state also ranked poorly in national rankings for the “Best States for Working Dads.” Whether or not parents remain together does not affect their responsibilities to their children.

Establishing paternity allows for the child’s needs to continue being met regardless of their family situation. It also secures key parenting rights for the father of the child. If a parent refuses to handle their legal responsibilities, it can result in legal fines, loss of parenting rights, and other penalties.

Work With a Local Crowley Paternity Lawyer You Can Trust

Schnaars Law Firm, LLC has been navigating family law matters throughout Acadia Parish and beyond for decades, including paternity cases. We’re a proud boutique law firm with over 25 years of experience helping Louisiana families. When you choose us to represent you through a paternity case, you can rest assured you’re working with a local team that cares.

Attorney Dyan Schnaars has earned many awards and accolades over the years, including:

• The Acadiana Advocate’s Acadiana’s Choice Award
• The Louisiana State Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Award
• The Lafayette Bar Association’s Outstanding Attorney Award
• NAFLA’s Top 10 Attorneys under 40**

FAQs

What Responsibilities Does a Father Have Once Paternity Is Established in Crowley?

The responsibilities a father has once paternity is established in Crowley involve their duty to care for and provide for their child. Once paternity is established, a father is responsible for including the child in existing inheritance, providing child support and contributing to healthcare, and working with the other parent to establish a custody and visitation plan.

If they refuse to pay court-ordered support or take on their other legal responsibilities as a parent, you may pursue further legal action.

What Rights Do Fathers Have in Louisiana?

What rights fathers have in Louisiana can vary widely depending on the family’s situation. Paternity grants a father certain parental rights and responsibilities. In situations where the parents are together, they share the same rights regarding their child’s care and other important matters.

A father’s legal rights can be modified or restricted if it’s deemed to be in the best interest of the child. It’s wise to seek legal counsel from a Louisiana family lawyer to understand your rights.

What Happens if a Paternity Case Is Disputed in Crowley?

If a paternity case is disputed, you can expect a case to be filed with the family law division in the 15th Judicial District Court. Once a case is open, you can expect to attend formal hearings and do DNA testing to establish biological paternity.

The DNA test usually involves a non-invasive swab of the cheek. It’s possible for a judge to issue temporary child support orders while a case is ongoing to continue meeting their needs.

Can Paternity be Established After the Alleged Father’s Death in Crowley?

Yes, paternity can be established after the alleged father’s death in Crowley, but it may be more challenging to accomplish. The process typically requires DNA testing, official documentation, and witness testimonies to establish paternity.

If successful, the child may have rights to the deceased father’s estate under Louisiana’s forced heirship laws. Forced heirship automatically designates a portion of a person’s estate for any children under the age of 24 or who have a permanent disability.

Hire A Paternity Lawyer to Discuss Your Legal Rights and Options in Crowley

If you’re navigating a paternity case in Acadiana, you can count on Schnaars Law Firm, LLC as a counsel that cares about you and your family. With over two and a half decades of family law experience under our belt, we have a thorough understanding of Louisiana paternity laws. Moreover, we’re a local boutique firm led by a Louisiana native who is passionate about defending her neighbors throughout Acadia Parish and beyond.

If you’re ready to learn more about how we can represent you in a paternity case, come visit us at our office on Camellia Boulevard in Lafayette. Contact our office to set up an initial one-hour consultation to discuss your situation in more detail with a Crowley paternity lawyer you can trust.

**Awards and recognition are not guarantees of future results. Selection criteria vary by organization.