Many unmarried fathers in Indiana assume they automatically have rights to custody or parenting time with their child. However, under Indiana law, a father must establish paternity before seeking custody or visitation rights.

Establishing paternity is an essential step for unmarried fathers in Indiana who want legal recognition as their child's parent. Without legal paternity, fathers have no automatic rights to custody, visitation, or decision-making. Additionally, children benefit from paternity establishment through financial support, medical benefits, and inheritance rights.

Parenting time arrangements play a crucial role in maintaining strong relationships between children and both parents after separation or divorce. The Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines provide a structured framework to ensure that children maintain consistent and meaningful contact with both parents. This guide focuses on the parenting time schedule for children ages 3 and older, including regular parenting time, extended parenting time, and considerations for adolescents and teenagers.

Establishing paternity is a crucial step for fathers who want legal rights to their children. In Indiana, paternity grants a father the ability to seek custody or parenting time and ensures the child has access to financial and emotional support. However, without legal recognition, a father may have no parental rights. If you are an unmarried father, it’s essential to take the right legal steps as soon as possible.

For many parents with a challenging history, securing meaningful parenting time can be an uphill battle. Courts prioritize a child's best interests, and parents with past criminal convictions, substance abuse issues, or other concerns may initially face supervised visitation or limited contact. However, as demonstrated in Moslander v. Vincent, change is possible.

Establishing paternity in Indiana is a crucial step for unmarried parents to determine legal fatherhood, parental rights, and child support responsibilities. Whether you're a mother seeking support, a father wanting custody, or a child seeking legal recognition, understanding the paternity process can help secure important rights and benefits. Learn who can file a paternity action, when to file, and why legal guidance is essential.