Paternity
Safeguarding Fathers' Rights
New Orleans Paternity Attorney
You Need a Louisiana Paternity Lawyer Who Will Advocate for You
If a couple is not married when the mother gives birth to a child and issues such as support, visitation, or paternity arise, or when there is uncertainty about the child's biological father, a paternity action in Louisiana may be necessary. A paternity action in Louisiana can:
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Establish the biological father of the child
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Determine the legal father (if different from the biological father)
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Establish parental rights where none existed before
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Set a child support obligation
Whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity or a man facing allegations of fatherhood, the experienced paternity attorneys at Rousell Law Firm are here to guide you through the process and help you achieve your goals.
How is Paternity Established in Louisiana?
Under Louisiana law, only the child's mother, a man who believes he is the biological father, or the child themselves can file a petition with the court to establish paternity. When a court determines paternity, it identifies the legal father of the child. The legal father holds parental rights and responsibilities, including the right to parenting time, the right to seek custody, and the duty to provide child support. The legal father may not necessarily be the same individual as the child's biological father.
A man is considered the legal father of a child if:
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He was married, in a civil union, or in a similar legal union with the child's mother at the time of the child's birth or conception;
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He married or entered into a civil union or similar legal union with the child's mother after the child's birth and is listed as the father on the birth certificate with his written consent;
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A court order or an administrative order from the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) determines him to be the child's legal father; or
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The man and the child's mother have signed a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Establish (or Disprove) Paternity?
Under Louisiana law, you are not required to hire an attorney to file a petition to establish paternity. However, having experienced legal representation may be in your best interest in situations such as:
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You believe you are the child’s biological father, but the mother disputes your claim;
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You do not believe you are the biological or legal father, but the mother insists otherwise;
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You have evidence supporting your paternity, but another man is also claiming to be the father; or
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You suspect you may be the father and want a clear legal determination.
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Establishing paternity can have lasting effects on your parental rights and obligations. The Rousell Law Firm can help you understand the legal implications of a paternity judgment and provide guidance throughout the process to protect your rights and interests.
Contact Rousell Law Today for Help
If you’ve been wrongly accused of being a child’s father, The Rousell Law Firm can help you challenge the claim and safeguard your legal rights. Call us today at (504) 221-1616 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support you through this challenging time.
The Rousell Law Firm's Team
Clarity in Counsel. Results-Driven Solutions. An Open, Honest Process.
At Rousell Law Firm, we blend compassionate guidance with thoughtful legal strategy. Our attorneys take the time to understand your individual needs, craft a customized plan, and deliver a clear path forward — offering straightforward expectations, transparent pricing, and practical timelines.
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Serving Greater New Orleans Metro & Surrounding Areas
Joelann S. Rousell, J.D., MBA
Managing Attorney
Attorney Rousell is a dedicated and skilled legal professional committed to providing exceptional representation for clients facing family law, immigration, personal and other legal matters.
Arielle M. Lewis, J.D.
(Of Counsel)
Attorney Lewis (Of Counsel) assists the Rousell Law Firm with all family matters, such as: divorce, child custody, child support, and community property matters.
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