Paternity Attorney

Why Does Paternity Matter?

In order to secure the parents’ and the child’s legal rights, establishing the paternity of your child is important. Child support cannot be court ordered unless paternity has been established. Other benefits including health insurance, social security, and inheritance can also be subject to the determination of paternity. Determining the paternity of a child can also provide information necessary to establish a medical history that can be beneficial throughout the child’s life. 

Paternity can be established in many ways. In the event that the mother is not married, a paternity affidavit can be voluntarily completed by the father of the child. If the person who the woman identifies as the father disputes the claim, the court will require DNA testing to prove paternity. DNA samples in the form of blood or saliva swab of the mother, child, and identified father will be gathered in order to settle the dispute. When a woman is married, her husband is considered the father of the child unless there is conflicting evidence.



Establishing paternity is often the first step in ensuring that the needs of a child are met for unwed couples. Both parents are responsible for raising and supporting a child in the state of Indiana. The legal process of establishing paternity can help to put a structure in place to serve the best interests of the child. Cioe & Wagenblast, PC can help you as you go through the process.