Paternity Lawyer Helping Families Establish Legal Parentage
For unmarried parents, establishing paternity can determine who may request custody, parenting time, child support, medical decision-making authority and access to important benefits. Whether you are a mother seeking financial support or a father trying to protect your relationship with your child, working with a paternity attorney can help you avoid decisions that may affect your family long-term.
At Brett K. Duncan & Co., we help families in Hammond, Ponchatoula and throughout Louisiana address paternity issues with practical guidance and clear legal direction. Established in 2005, our firm works with unmarried parents, parents who need to confirm parentage, protect fathers’ rights or respond to a disputed claim.
Establishing Paternity In Louisiana
Paternity may be established voluntarily or through the court. When both parents agree on the identity of the father, they may sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. This can give legal recognition to the father-child relationship without a contested court case.
When paternity is uncertain or disputed, the court may order DNA testing. This process usually involves collecting samples from the child, the alleged father and, sometimes, the mother. Once results are available, the court can use them to decide whether legal paternity should be established.
Legal Rights And Responsibilities After Paternity Is Confirmed
Once paternity is confirmed, it can affect several legal issues, including:
- Custody and visitation: A father may request parenting time or custody.
- Fathers’ rights: Paternity can help protect a father’s legal role.
- Child support: A legal father may be required to provide support.
- Medical and insurance coverage: The child may qualify for coverage through a parent.
- Inheritance rights: The child may gain inheritance rights through the father.
- Social Security benefits: The child may qualify for benefits connected to the father.
Our paternity lawyer can help parents understand what rights and duties apply.
Contesting Or Disestablishing Paternity
In some cases, a man may need to contest or disestablish paternity. This may happen when DNA evidence, fraud, mistake or other legal grounds call parentage into question.
These matters can be time-sensitive and legally complex, so it is important to speak with a paternity attorney before taking action.
Let Our Louisiana Paternity Lawyer Help
Paternity decisions can shape custody, support and a child’s future. At Brett K. Duncan & Co., we help parents understand their options and move forward. For help, call us at 800-725-6413 or fill out our intake form to work with a Louisiana paternity attorney who can help you.