Whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity for child support or a father looking to claim your parental rights, our experienced paternity attorney’s in Orlando, Florida are here to guide you through every step of the process. At The Fab Law Firm, we understand the importance of establishing paternity. This is a matter that directly affects the future of your relationship with your child, and as your paternity lawyer, we ‘ll be committed to confidently representing you and ensuring that your rights are fully protected under Florida law.
Understanding Paternity Law in FloridaEstablishing paternity confirms the legal relationship between a father and his child. This legal recognition is important for determining child custody, visitation rights, and child support. If paternity is not legally established, a father may have no rights or responsibilities regarding the child, which can affect the child's welfare and the father's ability to be involved in their life.
Under Florida law, if a child is born to unmarried parents, the father has no legal rights until paternity is established. This can be done voluntarily through both parents signing an acknowledgment of paternity at the hospital or through the Florida Department of Health. If paternity is disputed, either parent can file a paternity action in court, which may involve DNA testing to confirm the biological father. Paternity rights can be established until the child turns 22, but it’s recommended that this is taken care of as soon as possible so both parents can establish a relationship with their child.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters in FloridaFor mothers in Florida, establishing paternity is the route to receiving the financial support you need to make sure your child is taken care of and places responsibility on the father to help with the child’s upbringing. For fathers, legally establishing paternity is the path to gaining rights to custody, visitation, and participation in important decisions about the child’s welfare.
Additionally, Florida law requires that paternity be established before a court can order child support or make decisions regarding custody and visitation. Establishing paternity also benefits the child by providing access to the father's medical history, inheritance rights, and eligibility for social security benefits through the father. If any of these concerns relate to your present situation, contact a paternity lawyer immediately.
How We Help with Florida Paternity CasesAt The Fab Law Firm, we’re paternity lawyers that assist with all aspects of your case, including voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, paternity testing, and court proceedings to establish or dispute paternity. We work closely with our clients to develop a legal strategy that aligns with their goals, whether it's obtaining child support, gaining custody rights, or making sure that parental obligations are met.
Our team is well-versed in Florida’s specific paternity laws and will guide you through the legal processes, represent your interests in court if necessary, and help you through the emotional difficulties that may arise in a paternity case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity Law in Florida What is the process for establishing paternity in Florida?In Florida, paternity can be established voluntarily by both parents signing an acknowledgment of paternity, usually at the hospital or through the Department of Health. If there is a dispute, either parent can file a paternity action in court, where genetic testing may be ordered to determine paternity.
Can I get child support in Florida without establishing paternity?No, paternity must be legally established in Florida before the court can order child support. Once paternity is confirmed, the court can order the father to pay child support based on Florida’s child support guidelines.
What rights does a father have if paternity is established in Florida?Once paternity is established in Florida, a father has the legal right to seek custody, visitation, and to be involved in major decisions regarding the child's upbringing. He also has the responsibility to financially support the child.
How can I dispute paternity in Florida?If you believe you are not the biological father of a child in Florida, you can contest paternity by requesting a court-ordered DNA test. It’s important to act quickly, as there are specific time limits in Florida for challenging paternity.
Contact Us for a Confidential ConsultationIf you are facing a paternity issue in Florida, don't face this issue alone. Contact our dedicated paternity lawyers for a free consultation. We are here to provide the guidance and representation you need to protect your rights and the best interests of your child. Call us at (800)-FAB-WINS or complete our online form to schedule your consultation today.