Paternity Action

Northwest Indiana Lawyer: Paternity Actions

Merrillville – Crown Point – Gary - Valparaiso - Lake County – Porter County

Paternity actions today and historically are initiated by mothers who need to obtain child support payments from the biological father of the child. However, many of the paternity cases I handle are initiated by fathers who want to support and enhance their relationships with their biological children.

I'm Julie R. Glade, a family law attorney in Merrillville, Indiana. Whenever unmarried parents have a child, a paternity action can be used to establish the biological father's rights and obligations. Through a court-ordered parenting plan, fathers can obtain the legal right to see their child on a regular basis, and the court will address child custody and child support issues..

After someone has filed a paternity action in Lake County or Porter County, the court typically holds an initial hearing to determine if both parents agree on the identity of the father. If paternity is disputed, the court will order a DNA test. The cost of the DNA test may be split by both parties or may be paid by the person requesting the test.

Once paternity is established, the court typically enters a child support order. Child support payments may be retroactive to the child's birth date. The father may also be order to pay for all or a portion of the child's birth and/or medical expenses.

The court can also provide parenting time (visitation) rights for the father. If the mother is concerned about the father's lifestyle or ability to care for a small child, the court may order supervised visitation or parenting classes to address these issues.

Attorney Consultation

I would be happy to evaluate your case if you give me the opportunity. Simply schedule an appointment with me, Attorney Julie R. Glade, by calling (219) 736-0456 or by filling out the contact form on this web site. From my law office in Merrillville, I serve clients throughout Lake County and Porter County in Northwest Indiana.