Indiana paternity attorneys helping parents establish legal fatherhood

Paternity · Indiana

Indiana Paternity Attorneys Establishing Legal Fatherhood and Parenting Rights

Establishing paternity is the legal foundation for a father’s rights and a child’s support. At Webster & Garino LLC, our Indiana paternity attorneys represent both fathers and mothers, helping you secure the recognition, parenting time, and support your family needs.

We serve families throughout Hamilton, Marion, and Boone Counties, including Westfield, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, and surrounding communities.

or call (317) 565-1818

Indiana paternity attorneys helping parents establish legal fatherhood
WHO WE HELP

Who We Help With Paternity in Indiana

Every paternity case is different. We represent clients across a wide range of situations, always with the same goal: a stable, workable outcome.

  • Unmarried fathers seeking to establish legal paternity and parenting time
  • Mothers who need child support and a support order established
  • Fathers named in a paternity action who want parentage confirmed
  • Parents who need genetic (DNA) testing ordered through the court
  • Fathers pursuing custody, parenting time, or a name change for their child
  • Anyone who has been served with a petition to establish paternity

Establishing paternity early protects both the child and the parents. Our attorneys move quickly to secure legal recognition, and litigate when your situation calls for it.

GOOGLE REVIEWS

What Our Clients Have to Say…

50+

YEARS EXPERIENCE

3

COUNTIES SERVED

100%

FOCUSED ON FAMILIES

2

OFFICE LOCATIONS

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Why Legal Guidance Matters

Paternity is not simply a biological fact — it is a legal status that controls child support, parenting time, decision-making, and inheritance rights. Skilled representation helps you avoid costly mistakes and protects your interests at every stage.

Key Issues in a Paternity Case

What Gets Decided in an Indiana Paternity Case?

Most Indiana paternity cases come down to a handful of core issues. We help you resolve each one clearly and completely.

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Establishing Legal Paternity

Paternity is established by a voluntary paternity affidavit or by a court order, often supported by genetic testing when parentage is disputed.

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Custody & Parenting Time

We help you establish a custody and parenting time order centered on your child’s best interests.

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Child Support & Expenses

Child support follows Indiana’s guidelines. The court can also address birth expenses, health insurance, and past support.

HOW WE HELP

A Complete Approach to Your Paternity Case

We guide you through every stage of a paternity action, from the first conversation to the final order.

01

Initial Consultation

We listen to your situation, explain how Indiana paternity actions work, and lay out realistic options and outcomes.

02

Filing the Petition

We file the petition to establish paternity in the correct Indiana county and make sure every required party is properly served.

03

Genetic Testing

When parentage is disputed, we request court-ordered DNA testing and make sure the results are handled and applied correctly.

04

Support & Parenting Plan

We work out child support, custody, and a parenting time schedule while advocating firmly for your interests.

05

Litigation When Needed

When agreement is not possible, our seasoned litigators are prepared to advocate for you in front of the court.

06

Modifications & Enforcement

Life changes. We handle support modifications, parenting time enforcement, and related issues as they come up.

Indiana Law & Local Experience

Paternity Under Indiana Law

When a child is born to unmarried parents, Indiana law does not automatically recognize the father. Paternity must be established by a paternity affidavit or by a court order before a father has enforceable rights.

A paternity action can generally be filed until the child turns twenty, and the same case can resolve support, custody, parenting time, and birth expenses. Our attorneys handle each of those pieces.

We serve clients throughout Central Indiana: Westfield, Indianapolis, Carmel, Noblesville, Zionsville, and Fishers.

Indiana paternity attorney reviewing a paternity petition with a parent

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Common Questions About Paternity in Indiana

We know you have questions. Here are answers to the concerns Indiana families most often bring to our office about paternity.

How is paternity established in Indiana?

Paternity is established either by signing a paternity affidavit at the hospital shortly after birth, or by filing a paternity action in court. When parentage is disputed, the court can order genetic testing.

Does being on the birth certificate establish paternity?

Not by itself. In Indiana, legal paternity comes from a properly executed paternity affidavit or a court order. Without one of those, an unmarried father generally has no enforceable custody or parenting time rights.

Do I automatically get parenting time once paternity is established?

Establishing paternity opens the door to parenting time, but it is not automatic. The court enters a parenting time order based on the child’s best interests, often guided by the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines.

Can my paternity case be handled virtually?

Yes. We offer fully virtual services across all areas of family law, so you can get the legal help you need without extra time away from work or family.
WE’RE HERE TO HELP

Let’s Build a Plan That Protects What Matters Most

You do not have to navigate a paternity case alone. Our attorneys make the process clear, compassionate, and focused on the outcome you and your child need.

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Serving Hamilton County · Marion County · Boone County · Westfield · Indianapolis · Carmel · Noblesville · Zionsville · Fishers · Cicero