Jennings Paternity Lawyer

Seasoned Jennings Paternity Attorney

Questions surrounding a child’s parentage can have long-term consequences on custody determinations, financial responsibilities, visitation schedules, medical history, and overall family stability. A Jennings paternity lawyer can provide parents with information about the legal process for declaring or challenging paternity and help them understand which steps may make sense for their individual situation.

About Godley Law Firm

At Godley Law Firm, William L. Godley handles family law issues for families throughout southwestern Louisiana. After working for over ten years as a professional musician and touring nationally with well-known musical acts, Mr. Godley decided to pursue his passion for law. He is also a child of divorce who went through his own custody case as a kid.

Through his legal career and personal experiences, he developed a commitment to helping parents work through their differences and minimize the impact on their children. Mr. Godley has been practicing law for over twenty years and serves clients throughout Jennings and Jefferson Davis Parish.

Understanding Your Paternity Case

Essentially, a paternity case involves an effort to prove or disprove who the biological father of a child is. In many intact families, everyone knows who the biological parents are, and no further proof is required.

Establishing paternity through the court system can become important if parents need to address issues related to child custody, parenting time, or child support. In Louisiana, paternity cases have been pursued by both mothers and fathers.

A paternity case can be brought by several different parties who have an interest in establishing who a child’s parents are. An unmarried mother might file a paternity case early on to establish the identity of her child’s father.

A man may ask the court to formally identify him as a child’s father so he can seek custody or visitation rights. It’s also possible for someone identified as the father to question paternity in order to waive his parental rights and duties.

Because the outcome of paternity matters can influence future legal actions, it’s generally most beneficial for all parties to settle paternity issues promptly. Sorting out paternity now can prevent future disputes or legal issues.

Paternity Through DNA Testing

According to the CDC, Louisiana has a marriage rate of 3.7 and a divorce rate of 0.9 per 1,000 residents. Additionally, 54.9% of live births were to unmarried mothers. This highlights the need to establish paternity.

DNA evidence is often used in paternity cases to rule out or confirm whether a man is the biological father of a child. DNA tests typically work by comparing genetic samples from the child and alleged father to see if they are biologically related.

For legal purposes, both Louisiana and federal statutes regulate how DNA testing must be completed. Your Jennings paternity attorney can explain how DNA testing works and help you gather evidence that may be admissible in court.

The Importance of Legal Paternity

Declaring legal paternity is a big deal because it can impact both parents and children. Establishing paternity can matter when it comes to:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Parenting time
• Medical history and family medical information
• A parent’s right to make decisions about the child
• Inheritance or eligibility for benefits from the father’s family

Paternity issues can come up before judges in family court all the time. Some court cases cannot even proceed until parents establish who the child’s parents are legally.

Jefferson Davis Parish is served by the 31st Judicial District Court. The courthouse in Jennings is known as the Jefferson Davis Parish Courthouse and is located at 300 North State Street, Jennings, LA 70546.

Hire a Paternity Lawyer

Once you hire a paternity lawyer, your attorney can look at the details of your situation and gather evidence relating to paternity. Your attorney can handle all the necessary court filings and represent you at any scheduled hearings. Your lawyer can also explain DNA testing and make sure everyone follows proper testing procedures.

To understand if and how an ongoing custody or support case influences your ability to establish paternity, an attorney can consult existing court orders. They understand paternity laws and can help you understand how they relate to your case.

FAQs

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Louisiana?

How long a father has to establish paternity in Louisiana depends on whether the child is presumed to belong to another man. In these cases, paternity may only be established within one year from the child’s birth. If fathers fail to meet a deadline, they can be prevented from making a claim. As a result, fathers should seek to resolve paternity issues as soon as possible.

Can a Mother Move a Child Away From the Father in Louisiana?

Whether a mother can move depends on several factors, including current custody orders, the distance of the move, and whether the other parent has custody or visitation. Mothers may have to provide advance notice of the move to the other parent. The parent wishing to relocate may have to seek court permission if the move would change the child’s principal place of residence and the other parent objects.

At What Age Can a Child Legally Choose Which Parent to Live With in Louisiana?

There is no age at which a child can legally choose which parent to live with in Louisiana. However, a child’s preference can be taken into consideration if the child is of an age and maturity to state a preference. Ultimately, a judge is going to determine custody based on the child’s best interest regardless of their choice.

What Happens If the Alleged Father Refuses a DNA Test?

If the alleged father refuses to participate in DNA testing, the matter can go to court instead of relying on cooperation between the parents. The court can decide how to proceed with genetic testing. If paternity is contested, parents should seek legal counsel before arranging at-home DNA testing due to potential problems with evidence admissibility.

Contact Godley Law Firm Today

If you need assistance establishing or contesting paternity, Godley Law Firm can help you. Contact us today for your consultation.

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