Poor single male in Indiana how 2 establish paternity???

Question

Think he signed affidavit in hospital. Mother would not let him see child. Child is now 5 years old. Wants to establish paternity and setup visitation. Can he do it himself? and where could he find legal forms to file?

Answer 1

For filing, it will be in a family court or a court of equity. Call the 'Clerk of Court' and ask about the forms available or research them online (many states and counties have online resources). These issues are usually called 'Paternity Determinations'. There may be a filing fee and a fee for service of papers. It is probably best to ask if the sheriff can serve the summons, because they are normally cheaper and better than private service.

There are quite a few steps in the process; the basic steps are listed below. The process can take 6 months to 3+ years depending on how things go and how many steps are needed due to the legal battle.

Basic Steps:

1) File for paternity

2) Summons served

3) Hearing where DNA test is ordered

4) DNA Test

5) Declaration of Paternity (or Parentage [if he is the father])

6) Child support, visitation and support

Answer 2

Most cities/counties have some sort of legal aid that you can apply for.  Best betis to call Social Services in your city to ask them.

I've been doing quite a bit of research on this subject for personal reasons and will send you some links to some really good websites focused on the rights of men/fathers.  

It is really sad to me that men's rights have almost disappeared in our society when it comes to fathering their children.  Women have come a long way with equal rights, but where does this leave the kids?  

Wish your friend good luck for me.  I think every child is entitles to know his/her real father!!    (The web links I'm sending are mostly advocate groups for men....you may be able to find help getting legal representation through one of them)

Answer 3

First, he'll have to get a copy of the affidavit he signed.  This may be his only hope.  In most states, he should have registered with the punitive father registry at the county clerk's office.

2nd:  He'll have to know where the child and mother are.  If they are located:  He can start the process by writing a letter to her:  1-Stating that he wants to start visitation and that he'd like to meet with the mother and talk about visitation.  I'd suggest buying her lunch in a public, yet quiet place like 2:00 pm at a diner not normally busy at that time, where the sound doesn't carry.  Hopefully, she'll come.

2-Saying in the letter that if she doesn't come, he is prepared to go to court to order child visitation 3-If she doesn't respond to that, that it is not his intention, but if she keeps refusing, he'll have to sue for full custody, so he is trying to not do that at this point.

He will have to pay child support, and probably back child support if he hasn't been paying already.  5 years is a long time to have a child on this earth and not know it.  If I were the mother, I'd be reluctant to let him, and at the same time, my ex didn't see my son until my son was 17 (it was dad's choice there).  Then they were re-united after I tracked him half way across the country to introduce my son to him.  Now, they are slowly, but in a good way, building a relationship together.  It is going good.  People do change for the better, and it is better late than never.  Good luck-he may need an attorney, and legal aid might assist him.