Baton Rouge Paternity Lawyer

Baton Rouge Paternity Attorney

Paternity issues can make tough times worse. This applies to people who are wrongfully denied rights. It’s also an issue to be forced into a role that isn’t yours. These problems can be resolved using Louisiana law. A Baton Rouge paternity lawyer can give everyone fair results.

Handling Your Case From Start to Finish

At The Cascio Law Firm, we have more than two decades of courtroom experience. We don’t hand off cases to junior staff. You deal with attorneys from the start. We understand what families go through in paternity disputes. This helps us get results for our clients.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity is legal fatherhood. It’s not just biological. In Louisiana, paternity has to be confirmed. This is an important status. Custody or visitation can’t be requested without it. At the same time, he can’t be required to support the child.

On the child’s side, no legal paternity means no right to benefits from that parent. It affects the benefits they might receive from their parents.

Establishing paternity can bring a sense of relief. It tells the court who the father is. That clears the way for other decisions. Visitation starts with paternity.

How to Establish Paternity

There are a few options in Louisiana. The simplest way is for both parents to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. Hospitals give this out at birth. A completed form gives the father legal rights.

Sometimes, parents disagree. Either person can file a claim for paternity in court. This will usually lead to an order for DNA testing. This testing is highly reliable. Once the results are in, the judge can make a paternity order.

There’s a legal presumption for married couples. Whoever the mother of the child is married to when the child is born is usually presumed to be the father. This might not be true. If that happens, the presumption can be challenged in court.

Outcomes of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity changes the child’s rights. Here are the most common outcomes once paternity is confirmed:

• Custody and visitation: A legal father can ask the court for custody. Even without this, visitation might be granted. No rights exist for this without legal paternity. Once established, a judge can consider a request.
• Child support: A father who has legal paternity can be required to pay support. The court uses a formula to set the monthly amount. It can vary based on income. In Baton Rouge, the median household income was $49,944 in 2023.
• Inheritance: Legal paternity allows a child to receive an inheritance. This includes property. In Baton Rouge, the median home value was $224,500 in 2023. No legal tie exists for this without paternity.
• Access to benefits: In Baton Rouge, 2% of people under 65 do not have health insurance. A child might qualify for benefits tied to the father. Paternity is required for this.
• Updated birth certificate: The father’s name can be added to a birth certificate with paternity. This makes the legal tie part of the public record. It confirms a father’s role as a parent.

There are responsibilities that come with paternity. They are enforceable by the court. However, the rights do benefit the child.

Contesting Paternity

Sometimes, paternity gets challenged. It’s possible for someone to think one person is the parent at first. If they have doubts, the person can file a claim to challenge paternity. Courts might allow for DNA testing in these cases. But it’s not automatic. Judges look at each case carefully. The court might be reluctant to change the current situation.

Revoking paternity could mean the father might not be responsible for child support. However, this could also mean that their visitation rights change. This kind of legal challenge can be hard to win without skilled help. Speak to a lawyer if you’re trying to reopen paternity.

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

Paternity cases have serious consequences. These aren’t issues to figure out alone. Legal rights are at stake.

An experienced family law attorney knows how the Baton Rouge courts handle these claims. They know how each step works. Their experience can help you avoid mistakes. Knowing that the local judges can play a role in the case’s outcome.

At a small firm, you speak directly with the person handling your case. This can make a difference. The right legal help can make a case seem less discouraging.

FAQs

Q: How Is Paternity Established in Louisiana?

A: Paternity can be established in multiple ways. In Louisiana, it can be done voluntarily if both parents agree. They can sign a form called a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. This is often done at the hospital at birth. Disputed paternity can lead to a court-ordered test. The results of this test determine an official ruling.

Q: Does Establishing Paternity Give a Father Custody Rights?

A: Establishing paternity does not necessarily give a father custody rights. It only gives legal recognition as the child’s father. That’s part one. However, custody and visitation are separate legal issues. A father still has to ask for custody in a claim if he wants it. A judge then decides what arrangement is most effective.

Q: What Legal Rights Does a Child Gain From Paternity?

A: The legal rights a child gains from paternity include inheritance. A legal father can give things to their child in their estate plan. It also potentially gives the child medical benefits. Things like health insurance could be important for the child’s well-being. Establishing paternity can provide a stronger sense of identity for the child.

Q: How Does Paternity Affect Child Support?

A: Paternity affects child support depending on the child’s income. It’s possible they might be required to pay monthly support. The exact amount depends on how much they make. If they have other children, the number might change. Support helps pay for basic needs. Without paternity, the mother can’t collect support from the father.

A Firm That Understands Louisiana Law

Family issues are stressful. Legal answers won’t fix every issue. But they help bring peace. Knowing the truth can help. The right legal steps lead to better outcomes. Schedule a consultation with The Cascio Law Firm to find out where you stand.