Bossier City Paternity Attorney

Protecting Your Relationship With Your Child

Paternity questions touch every part of your child’s life, from financial support to medical decisions and day-to-day contact. When you are unsure of your legal status as a parent, it can feel like your future with your child is out of your hands. Working with a paternity attorney gives you a path toward clarity and stability.

At Ryan E. Gatti, Attorney At Law, we work with parents and alleged parents who need answers about paternity in Bossier City and the surrounding communities. Our firm is centered on family law, including child custody, child support, and adoption, so we understand how closely paternity is tied to your child’s long-term well-being. We take time to listen, explain the law in plain language, and help you decide what is right for your family.

Founding attorney Ryan E. Gatti has lived and worked in Shreveport and Bossier City his entire life. Our deep roots in this community shape how we practice. We know the concerns Louisiana families bring to paternity cases, and our goal is to guide you through the process with as little stress as possible.

Contact our firm today at (318) 633-0186 to schedule an initial consultation.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity refers to the legal determination of a child’s biological father. In Louisiana, paternity must be legally established before a father has enforceable parental rights or obligations, such as custody, visitation, or child support.

When parents are married at the time of a child’s birth, Louisiana law generally presumes the husband is the child’s legal father. However, when parents are unmarried, paternity is not automatically established. In these cases, legal steps must be taken to formally recognize the father.

Paternity can be established in several ways, including:

• Signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity
• Obtaining a court order
• Genetic (DNA) testing ordered by the court

Our Bossier City paternity lawyer can help determine which path is appropriate for your situation and ensure all legal requirements are met.

Benefits of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity offers significant legal, emotional, and financial benefits for both the child and the parents. Some of the most important advantages include:

Benefits for the Child

• Access to financial support from both parents
• Eligibility for health insurance, Social Security benefits, and inheritance rights
• A stronger sense of identity and family connection
• Access to family medical history, which can be critical for healthcare decisions

Benefits for Fathers

• Legal rights to custody or visitation
• A formal role in decision-making regarding education, healthcare, and upbringing
• Protection against future disputes over parental rights

Benefits for Mothers

• Ability to pursue child support
• Legal clarity regarding the father’s responsibilities
• Reduced uncertainty in custody and support matters

By working with our Bossier City paternity lawyer, parents can ensure paternity is established correctly and in a way that protects everyone involved.

Legal Process of Establishing Paternity in Louisiana

The legal process for establishing paternity in Louisiana depends on the circumstances of the parents and the child. Below is a general overview of how paternity is established in Bossier City, LA.

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity

If both parents agree on the identity of the father, they may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This document is often completed at the hospital after the child’s birth or later through the Louisiana Department of Health. Once properly filed, it carries the same legal effect as a court judgment.

2. Court-Ordered Paternity Action

If paternity is disputed or uncertain, either parent (or the state) may file a paternity action in court. This process typically involves:

• Filing a legal petition
• Court-ordered DNA testing, if requested
• A hearing before a judge
• A formal judgment establishing or denying paternity

3. Genetic Testing

DNA testing is highly accurate and commonly used in contested cases. Courts rely on these results to make final determinations regarding biological parentage.

4. Establishment of Parental Rights and Obligations

Once paternity is established, the court can issue orders addressing:

• Child support
• Custody and visitation
• Health insurance and medical expenses

Paternity FAQs

How long do I have to establish paternity in Louisiana?

Louisiana law sets time limits depending on the circumstances. In many cases, a paternity action must be filed within one year of the child’s birth, though exceptions may apply. Our Bossier City paternity attorney can evaluate your specific situation.

Can paternity be challenged after it is established?

Yes, but challenging paternity can be complex and time-sensitive. Courts require strong evidence, and strict deadlines often apply.

Does establishing paternity automatically give a father custody?

No. Establishing paternity grants legal recognition, but custody and visitation are determined separately based on the child’s best interests.

Is DNA testing required?

Not always. If both parents agree and sign a voluntary acknowledgment, DNA testing may not be necessary. In disputed cases, courts frequently order testing.

Can the state establish paternity?

Yes. If public assistance is involved, the state of Louisiana may initiate a paternity action to establish child support obligations.

Our Approach to Paternity Matters

When you meet with us about a paternity concern, we start by listening. We want to understand your relationship with the child, your history with the other parent, and your goals. Some clients want to establish rights to be involved in everyday decisions. Others are focused on creating financial stability or protecting a child from an unsafe situation. Your priorities guide how we approach your case.

We know that Louisiana paternity law can feel technical and confusing. Our team takes time to walk you through the legal terms, how paternity is established or challenged, and how that connects to custody and child support. We avoid legal jargon whenever possible and encourage you to ask questions. Our aim is that you leave each conversation with a clearer understanding of what is happening and what comes next.

To talk with our team, call (318) 633-0186.