Indiana § 31-14-4-3 - Department or prosecuting attorney permitted to file action
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 31-14-4-3 — Department or prosecuting attorney permitted to file action, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 31-14-4-3. Department or prosecuting attorney permitted to file action
Sec. 3. (a) The department or a prosecuting attorney operating under an agreement or contract described in IC 31-25-4-13.1, may file a paternity action as next friend of the child if:
(1) the mother;
(2) the person with whom the child resides;
(3) the department; or
(4) the alleged father;
has executed an assignment of support rights or applied for IV-D services under Title IV-D of the federal Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 651 through 669) and IC 31-25-4-19.
(b) A filing under subsection (a) by the department or prosecuting attorney must be made within the period that would apply if the child were filing on the child's own behalf under IC 31-14-5-2.
[Pre-1997 Recodification Citation: 31-6-6.1-2(b).]
As added by P.L.1-1997, SEC.6. Amended by P.L.145-2006, SEC.222; P.L.206-2015, SEC.46; P.L.55-2022, SEC.3.
IC 31-14-5Chapter 5. Filing of Paternity Action; Limitations
31-14-5-1Verification of petition; caption 31-14-5-2Petition by minors and incompetent persons; time for filing petition; tolling of limitations during period of incompetency 31-14-5-3Time for filing action 31-14-5-4Action by division or county office of family and children furnishing public assistance; time for filing action 31-14-5-5Action to be filed during lifetime or within five months of death of alleged father 31-14-5-6Necessary parties 31-14-5-7Registration with putative father registry 31-14-5-8Action not barred by child's death or stillbirth or mother's death 31-14-5-9Barred from establishing paternity
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 31-14-4-3
What does Indiana Code § 31-14-4-3 cover?
Section 31-14-4-3 ("Department or prosecuting attorney permitted to file action") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 31-14-4-3?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 31-14-4-3" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 31-14-4-3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.