Valparaiso Fathers' Rights Attorney
If you had a child born out of wedlock, you will need to file a petition to establish paternity and secure a court order indicating who the biological parents are of your child. Some parents want to spend as much time as possible with their children. Other parents are not even aware they have kids, and do little in terms of emotional or financial support. Whether you are fighting to spend time with your children or you have been asked to take a paternity test, it is important to work with a lawyer who can give you the support you need.
At the Law Office of Melissa L. Rohrer, since 1996 we have been working with parents throughout Merrillville and northwest Indiana in paternity matters. If paternity is established, there will be a large shift of parenting rights and responsibilities. We can help you understand what to expect at every step of the process. Contact us online or call 219-791-1200 to schedule your initial consultation.
Understanding Your Parenting Rights
If someone requests a paternity test, you will likely be required to take the necessary DNA testing. When clients contact us, we help them understand what is needed to file for paternity. If the paternity test indicates you are the natural father, we can help you learn more about your rights and responsibilities as a parent, including:
- Name change: If you are determined in court to be the father of your child, you may be able to have the child's name on the birth certificate changed to your last name.
- Visitation: In most situations, both parents have a right to spend time with their children. We work with parents to help them receive fair parenting time.
- Child custody: If you do not think the mother is a good parent, or if you would like the child to live with you part-time, we can help you pursue the custody and visitation arrangement you believe you deserve.
- Child support: You are responsible for providing financial support to your child. In addition to paying support, some parents are also responsible for child support arrearages, or child support that accumulated before paternity was established.
Work with an attorney who can help you understand and protect your rights and responsibilities as a father. Schedule your initial consultation by contacting us online or by calling 219-791-1200.
