Indianapolis Fathers’ Rights Attorney

Fathers play a vital role in their children’s lives, and custody decisions should reflect the involvement and contributions of both parents. While Indiana law does not formally favor one parent over the other, many fathers feel they begin the process at a disadvantage. Historically, caregiving roles often influenced custody outcomes, and those assumptions can still affect how cases are approached today.

At Schembs Law, we are committed to ensuring that our clients are treated fairly. For fathers, this often means taking deliberate steps to establish, protect, and strengthen meaningful parenting time and involvement in important decisions.

A Focus on Fathers’ Rights

We take a fact-based, practical approach to each case – focusing on your relationship with your child, your ability to provide a stable environment, and the factors that matter most to the court. Whether you are establishing rights, seeking additional parenting time, or addressing a dispute, we work to ensure your role as a parent is fully recognized.

Based in Indianapolis, we represent fathers throughout Indiana and are dedicated to helping you protect your relationship with your child and move forward with confidence. We advocate for fathers in Indianapolis and across Indiana seeking fair custody and parenting time.

Addressing Allegations of Abuse

Allegations of abuse are serious and must be handled with care. In some cases – particularly during contentious custody disputes – claims may be exaggerated or misinterpreted. Regardless of the circumstances, these allegations can have an immediate and significant impact on your ability to see your children.

We approach these situations strategically and with attention to detail, ensuring your side of the story is clearly presented and supported by evidence. Our goal is to protect both your parental rights and your relationship with your child.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fathers’ Rights

If you are an unmarried father in Indianapolis, you probably have questions about where you stand legally. We are here to give you clear answers so you can take the right steps forward.

Do unmarried fathers have automatic parental rights in Indiana?

No, Indiana law does not give unmarried fathers automatic parental rights. If the parents are not married when the child is born, the mother has sole custody by default.

To have any legal standing as a father, you must establish paternity, and this typically requires a paternity test and a court filing. Once you establish paternity, you can petition the court to request custody or parenting time.

Does signing an Indiana paternity affidavit automatically grant custody or parenting time?

Not exactly. Signing a paternity affidavit legally identifies you as the child’s father. It may create a child support obligation, but it does not give you custody or parenting time. To gain any rights to see your child or make decisions in their life, you will still need to go through the courts. We can help you take those next steps the right way.

Do Indiana courts automatically favor mothers over fathers in child custody disputes?

This is one of the most common misconceptions we hear from fathers. Indiana courts do not automatically favor mothers in custody cases; judges base every custody decision on the best interests of the child.

Courts look at factors like each parent’s relationship with the child, the stability of each home, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, among others. Fathers who are active and involved have every right to pursue custody, and at Schembs Law, we help you build a case that fights for your rights as a father.

Fight For Your Relationship With Your Child

You should not feel discouraged or assume the outcome is predetermined. Fathers have meaningful legal rights, and courts are increasingly recognizing the importance of both parents being actively involved.

We are here to help you assert those rights and pursue a parenting arrangement that reflects your role as a father. Contact our Indianapolis office at 317-643-6266 or email us to learn how we can help you move forward.