Advocating for Fathers. Protecting Families.
At White and Champagne LLC, we understand how deeply important your role as a father is. Whether you’re seeking custody, parenting time (visitation), or looking to establish or contest paternity, our Indiana family law attorneys are here to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
What Are Fathers’ Rights in Indiana?
Under Indiana law, fathers have the same legal rights as mothers when it comes to child custody and parenting time. The courts do not favor one parent over another based on gender—instead, the child’s best interests guide all decisions. This means you have the right to:
- Seek joint or sole custody
- Receive fair parenting time
- Participate in major decisions about your child’s life
- Challenge or request modifications to custody or parenting agreements
How Can Paternity Affect a Father’s Rights?
Establishing legal paternity is the first step toward securing your parental rights in Indiana. Without legal paternity, a father may not have the right to custody or parenting time—even if he is actively involved in the child’s life.
Paternity testing can:
- Secure your rights to visitation and custody
- Enable you to make medical, educational, and religious decisions for your child
- Establish or dispute financial responsibilities such as child support
Whether you’re a father wanting to confirm paternity or contest it due to doubts, we can help you understand your legal options and take the right next steps.
How Can Fathers Protect Their Rights During Custody Disputes?
If you’re facing a custody battle or parenting time disagreement, these steps can help you protect your role as a parent:
- Assert Your Legal Rights: Don’t assume the court will automatically favor the mother. You have equal standing.
- Use Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines: These outline your rights to regular, consistent time with your child.
- Document Everything: Keep records of parenting time, communication, and any conflicts that arise.
- Act Quickly: If changes are proposed or if your time is being unfairly limited, legal action may be necessary to enforce or adjust your arrangement.
- Get Legal Support: Having an experienced attorney is critical for navigating court procedures and advocating for your rights.
Can Fathers Get Equal Custody?
Yes. Indiana law allows fathers to petition for both legal and physical custody. Courts evaluate custody based on what’s best for the child—not the parent’s gender. Equal custody is possible and, in many cases, encouraged if it promotes stability and emotional well-being for the child.
What If My Parenting Time Is Being Unfairly Restricted?
If the other parent is limiting your visitation rights, here’s what to do:
- Document each missed or denied visit
- Review your court order and Indiana’s Parenting Time Guidelines
- Contact an attorney immediately to file for enforcement
You have the right to maintain a meaningful relationship with your child, and the court has tools to hold the other parent accountable.
Modifying Custody or Parenting Time Agreements
Life changes—whether due to job relocations, new marriages, or the evolving needs of your child. In Indiana, these changes are addressed through post-decree modifications.
You can petition the court to:
- Adjust the parenting schedule
- Change custody arrangements
- Challenge modifications proposed by the other parent
How Can a Family Law Attorney Help Fathers Stay Involved?
At White & Champagne LLC, we help fathers:
- Establish or contest paternity
- Seek custody or parenting time
- Enforce existing court orders
- Modify current agreements
- Defend against unfair child support obligation
We take the time to understand your family dynamics, explain your rights, and represent your interests with compassion and determination.
Contact Us
If you’re a father seeking to protect your relationship with your child, we’re here to help. Whether it’s a paternity issue, custody dispute, or parenting time enforcement, our experienced attorneys will fight for your rights—and your child’s future. Our Marion County paternity lawyers represent clients in Indianapolis and Fishers, throughout Marion County and across the surrounding region.
Contact us today at (317) 259-9480 or toll free at 800-570-2848 to arrange a consultation with an experienced Marion County paternity lawyer.
