Representing Individuals in Louisville, Kentucky & Throughout Jefferson County in Paternity Matters
A dad’s right to be part of his child’s life is one of the most fundamental aspects of parenthood in Louisville, Kentucky, and a key focus of paternity law. Paternity establishes a legal relationship between a dad and his child, enabling dads to seek custody and visitation while also taking on the responsibility of providing financial support and active involvement in their child’s life.
Unfortunately, there are times when a mother may not cooperate in allowing a dad to have a meaningful role in their child’s life. In such challenging situations, having a compassionate and dedicated Louisville paternity attorney is vital to protecting your rights. Our Louisville paternity lawyers handle every aspect of paternity cases—from establishing legal paternity to enforcing rights. We understand the importance of dads playing an active role in their children’s lives and are here to advocate for the time you deserve. Contact a Louisville, Kentucky paternity attorney today for dedicated legal representation.
What Is Paternity?
Paternity is the legal recognition of the relationship between a dad and his child. In Kentucky, paternity can generally be established through two methods:
- Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity (VAP)
- Judge’s Ruling Following Paternity Lawsuit
After paternity is established in Kentucky, the family court can make determinations about custody, child support, medical support, social security benefits, insurance, and other essential needs and entitlements for the child.
What Legal Responsibilities Does Paternity Give the Dad in Jefferson County?
Establishing paternity in Kentucky grants a dad several important legal rights. These include factors such as:
- Custody and Visitation: A dad can seek legal custody or visitation rights, allowing him to be actively involved in his child’s life.
- Child Support: Once paternity is established, a dad may be required to pay child support, but he also has the right to seek custody or visitation in return for his financial responsibilities.
- Medical and Insurance Benefits: A dad may have the right to provide medical support and include his child under his health insurance plan, if applicable.
- Social Security and Inheritance Rights: The child may be entitled to benefits, including social security, veteran’s benefits, or inheritance rights, once paternity is confirmed.
- Legal Decision-Making: Establishing paternity can give the dad a say in major decisions regarding the child’s education, health, and welfare.
Establishing paternity in Kentucky ensures that dads have both the rights and responsibilities to be involved in their child’s upbringing and well-being.
What Can Make Paternity Hard to Establish in Louisville, Kentucky?
In Kentucky, several factors can complicate establishing paternity. Disputes over fatherhood, lack of acknowledgment by the dad, or difficulty locating him can require DNA testing or legal action. If the mother is married to another man, her husband is often presumed the legal dad, and disputing this requires legal steps. DNA testing may be contested or delayed, adding further challenges.
Additionally, if a dad has had little involvement in the child’s life, seeking custody or visitation can be difficult even after paternity is established. Complex family dynamics or ongoing custody disputes can also complicate the process.
Contact Stange Law Firm in Louisville, Kentucky in Jefferson County, KY Today
If you are looking for help establishing paternity in Louisville, Kentucky, or nearby, Stange Law Firm can help. We can help answer your questions or help to establish your rights as a dad. Contact us online today or call 855-805-0595 to schedule an initial consultation today.
Jefferson County (Louisville), Kentucky Office (502-516-7375) | 9850 Von Allmen Ct., Suite 235, Louisville, Kentucky 40241
