Establishing And Disputing Paternity
When a child is born out of wedlock in Louisiana, there is no established father by default. Instead, a formal acknowledgment is necessary. Signing the birth certificate is not enough by itself.
Why Establish Paternity?
Having a new child is a life-altering and emotionally charged event. Legal paperwork is often the least of a new father’s worries. However, taking the steps to establish paternity provides greater opportunity for the child and will avoid disputes with the mother later in life.
Establishing paternity helps the child in many ways:
- It identifies genetic conditions.
- It provides an easier case for custody.
- It allows access to government benefits.
- It defines responsibility for child support.
- It provides a path to inheritance.
Disavowing A Paternity Claim
While the list above provides benefits for your children, there are instances where you can be misidentified as the father.
This can be very costly and have lasting expenses. An experienced attorney can help prove your relationship through a paternity test or other legal means in an efficient, cost-effective way.
There are time limitations for disavowal. You should contact an attorney as soon as possible after the birth in order to protect your rights.
We’re Upfront And Accessible
Dyan Schnaars is a dedicated attorney with 25 years of legal experience, the last four years exclusively in family law. She’s a respected lawyer who fights for her clients in court and works with them personally to find the best situation to any legal issue.
When you choose Schnaars Law Firm, LLC, you can expect professional, compassionate counsel who protects your legal rights while respecting the human element of your case.
We’re accessible and honest, and we’ll always let you know where your case stands.
Schedule An Appointment
To schedule a consultation or to learn more about our Lafayette family law practice, call us at 337-446-2392 or send an email to get started now.
