A full service law firm with focused practice groups in family law, adoption, probate,
traffic/criminal defense and civil litigation.
Paternity and Juvenile Court
Paternity and Juvenile CourtAttorneys Serving Akron and Northeast Ohio
Serving Akron, Canton, Summit County, Portage and Medina, Ohio.
Won’t it be nice to enjoy time with your children in peace, without fear of being shut out or overlooked? If you’re an unmarried parent navigating the court system, especially as a father, it can feel like the odds are stacked against you. But the truth is, you have a right to be part of your child’s life, and we can help you get there.
At Hoover Kacyon, LLC,we help parents through the paternity process with clarity and strength. Whether you're seeking parenting time, responding to a claim, or trying to establish your role in court, our team is here to guide you through each step. We help you turn worry into action and move toward a stable, legally recognized relationship with your child.
How Paternity Works inOhio Juvenile Court
In Ohio, if a child is born outside of marriage, paternity must be established before a father can gain custody, parenting time, or a say in important decisions. You can establish paternity through court proceedings, administrative action, or by signing a legal acknowledgment. Until that happens, the biological father has no enforceable rights.
Juvenile court manages these cases for unmarried parents. Once paternity is confirmed, either by agreement or DNA testing, the court can then rule on shared parenting, visitation, custody, and child support. We help you understand what the court is looking for and what you need to do to protect your role.
Family Law
Experienced Lawyers in Family Law, Divorce, Adoption, Estate Planning, Probate, Criminal, Traffic, Bankruptcy, Business, Personal Injury, Civil and Education Law.
What WeCan Do for You
We help you take control of the legal process and build a foundation that supports your time, your voice, and your future with your child. Whether you are starting a custody case or responding to one, we guide you through each step with clarity, compassion, and a focus on long-term stability for you and your child.
File or Respond to a Paternity Complaint
We prepare and file your complaint or response and make sure your voice is heard from the beginning. Whether you’re seeking to be recognized or defending against a false claim, we protect your position.
Request or Defend Against DNA Testing
We help file motions for genetic testing and guide you through the process. If you’ve already signed an acknowledgment and now have concerns, we evaluate the legal options still available to you.
Secure Custody or Parenting Time Orders
Once paternity is confirmed, we help you request a fair custody arrangement or parenting schedule. We draft plans that reflect your goals and your child’s best interests so you can share in their life meaningfully.
Address Child Support and Financial Filings
We prepare required income affidavits and child support worksheets to ensure support is calculated correctly. We challenge inflated claims and protect your financial interests.
Support Your Parental Role Without Judgment
We draft Consent Orders or prepare for final hearings so that your case ends with a clear, enforceable court order. If disputes arise, we are fully prepared to represent you in court and fight for a resolution that reflects your goals.
When to Call aPaternity and Juvenile Court Attorney
If you want to be part of your child’s life but don’t know where to start, this is the moment to act. Whether you're asserting your rights, responding to a court action, or trying to find peace for your child and yourself, we’re here to walk beside you.Our attorneys are ready to step in, provide guidance, and protect your legal standing from day one.
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FrequentlyAsked Questions
How do I establish paternity in Ohio?
Through court order, administrative action, or a signed acknowledgment. We help you take the right legal steps based on your situation.
Can I get custody or visitation once paternity is established?
Yes. Paternity is just the first step. We help you pursue shared parenting or visitation orders that give you meaningful involvement in your child’s life.
Can I challenge paternity if I have doubts?
Yes. If you believe you are not the father, we can help you request DNA testing or challenge the claim legally.
What if I already signed the acknowledgment and changed my mind?
There may still be legal options depending on how much time has passed. We evaluate the situation and help you file for rescission or disestablishment if possible.
Will I automatically owe child support after paternity is established?
The court may order support based on Ohio guidelines. We help ensure that it is calculated fairly based on accurate income and circumstances.
