04/26/2023
Louisiana Legitimation Law:
How Fathers who have children out of wedlock can establish legal custodial and visitation rights in Louisiana!
LEGITIMATION: is the process by which a father establishes his parental rights to a child born out of wedlock.
In Louisiana, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother is automatically granted sole custody of that child. However, the father can establish legal rights to custody and visitation through legitimation.
To start the process of legitimation, the biological father has to contact an agency like BIG EASY DNA so an action for legitimation petition can be filed in court in the parish that the mother/child resides.
This petition MUST include name and address for the father, mother, and child as well as any relevant facts about the child’s birth and the relationship between the father and child.
Once the petition is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing the biological father must prove that he is the biological father of the child through a legal dna test and that it is in the best interest of the child for him to be granted custody or visitation rights.
Establishing legal rights to custody and visitation can be a complex process and it is important to have the guidance of an experienced agency to help navigate the court system and ensure that your rights as a father are protected.
For more information visit our website at www.bigeasydna.info or give us a call at (504) 285-0457
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