Role of the Court
In Indiana, paternity can be established in 2 ways: by both parents signing a Paternity Affidavit in accordance with the legal requirements, or by a Court issuing an order. A duty to pay a certain amount of child support can be established only by a Court issuing an order. Therefore, courts are an important part of establishing paternity and child support.
Most of the cases administered by the Title IV-D Program are heard in the Juvenile Court, which operates under the supervision of Superior Court 3. The Juvenile Magistrate Court is authorized to issue orders regarding paternity and child support. That Court and its offices are located on the first floor of the Courthouse.
Contacting the Court
Many people choose to hire an attorney when they are involved in a court proceeding. However, you have the right to represent yourself in court. If you choose to represent yourself, you have the right to contact the court that has authority over your case. But you are not permitted to have any one-sided (ex parte) communication with the judge.