Omaha, Nebraska Paternity Attorneys in Douglas County

Representing Individuals in Omaha, Nebraska in Paternity Matters

When a child is born outside of marriage, important legal questions can arise about parental rights, responsibilities, and future involvement. For parents in Omaha, Nebraska, these issues often involve uncertainty about parenting time, decision-making authority, and financial support. Establishing paternity is the legal process that allows courts to clearly define these matters and provide enforceable guidance moving forward.

At Stange Law Firm, PC, we represent individuals in Omaha and throughout Douglas County in paternity matters. Our attorneys help parents understand how paternity is established under Nebraska law, including DNA testing and on the birth certificate, and work toward court-approved arrangements that promote clarity, stability, and the child’s best interests.

What Paternity Means Under Nebraska Law

Paternity is the legal recognition of a parent-child relationship. Once paternity is established, Nebraska courts have the authority to address a range of issues that affect a child’s daily life and long-term well-being. These issues may include parenting time, allocation of decision-making authority, and financial support obligations.

Until paternity is legally confirmed, parental rights and responsibilities may remain limited or undefined. Establishing paternity provides the legal foundation needed for the court to issue orders that clearly outline each parent’s role.

How Paternity Is Established in Omaha

Under Nebraska law, paternity may be established in more than one way, depending on the circumstances:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
  Parents may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This can be completed at the hospital when a child is born or later through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.

• Court-Ordered Paternity Proceedings
  When parentage is disputed or uncertain, the court may order genetic testing and make a legal determination of parentage based on the evidence presented.

Once paternity is established, either parent may request court orders addressing parenting time, decision-making authority, and financial support.

Rights and Responsibilities That Follow Established Paternity

After paternity is legally recognized, Nebraska courts may address:

• Parenting Time
  Court-ordered parenting time schedules that allow both parents to remain involved in the child’s life when appropriate.

• Decision-Making Authority
  Allocation of responsibility for major decisions involving education, health care, and other significant matters affecting the child.

• Financial Support
  Financial support obligations based on statutory guidelines, income information, and parenting time arrangements.

These determinations are made using a best-interests-of-the-child standard, with the goal of creating stability and consistency.

Issues That Can Complicate Paternity Cases in Douglas County

Some paternity matters proceed smoothly, while others involve challenges that require court involvement. These may include:

• Disagreement between parents regarding parentage

• Refusal to cooperate with genetic testing

• Presumed-parent issues arising from marriage

• A parent not listed on the child’s birth certificate

• Breakdown in communication between parents

When complications arise, legal guidance can help ensure that the process is handled correctly and that parental rights and obligations are addressed appropriately.

Legal Guidance Focused on Clarity and Enforceability

Paternity cases are about more than confirming biological relationships—they are about establishing clear, enforceable legal frameworks for the future. Stange Law Firm, PC works with parents to pursue court orders that reduce uncertainty, promote accountability, and provide long-term structure for parenting and financial responsibilities.

Our attorneys explain how Nebraska law applies to your situation, outline available options, and guide you through each step of the process so you can make informed decisions.