Legal Question in Family Law in Indiana
Attn: Burton Padove, answering your question in my matter about the father suing me in paternity it say on the document. you have been sued by the person named "petitioner" has made and wants from you. You must answer the complaint in writing, by you or your attorney within 20 days or judment will be entered against you for what the petitioner has demanded. Petition to establish paternity. 1. Atticus Smith, was born out of wedlock on may 13, 2009 to the mother, Angela Sterrett. 2. That said child and mother reside in Marion County, Indiana. 3. John J Smithdoes not believe that he is that father of the above named child. John Smith has requested the Office of the Morgan County Prosecuting Attorney to file this action pursuant to an apllication to Title IV-D of the Social Security Act.
wherefore, the state of Indiana prays that this matter be set for hearing, that the court enter an order finding pternity, establish an order regarding custody, visitation and support of the child, repayment of medical and hospital expenses, medical insurance coverage, the last name of the child, and for all other proper relief.
1 Answer from Attorneys
If indeed, you are not the father, you should appear, you probably do not need an attorney, and submit to DNA testing. You may be able to obtain an affidavit or testimony from the mother under oath that you did not have access to her, etc. during the appropriate time period. However, the cleanest way to end this thing once and forever is to submit to the DNA testing. The state usually has a special rate with the lab.
If there is any chance that you are the father, you should hire counsel or if the test comes back naming you as the father, you need counsel.
Good luck.