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Paternity

Orlando Paternity Lawyer

Paternity issues can be some of the most stressful and emotionally charged challenges you’ll ever face. Your financial security, your child’s well-being, and your parental rights are all on the line. At Civil Family Resolutions Law Firm, we understand what’s at stake, and we’re here to help. With years of experience navigating these delicate and high-stakes cases, our skilled Orlando paternity lawyer is ready to provide the strong legal representation you need to get through this difficult time.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a man as the father of a child. Establishing paternity has several significant implications, including parental rights, custody, visitation, and parental responsibility (child support).

Why Is It Important for Fathers to Establish Paternity?

If you’re a father who hasn’t legally established paternity, you could face significant obstacles in asserting your parental rights and playing an active role in your child’s life. Establishing paternity is a crucial step that benefits both you and your child, promoting stability and a strong parent-child relationship. By legally establishing paternity, you can:

  • Take part in important decisions regarding your child’s education, health, and future.  
  • Seek custody and visitation rights, allowing you to build a meaningful connection and spend quality time with your child.  
  • Protect yourself from unilateral decisions, such as adoption, being made without your consent.  
  • Safeguard against false claims of paternity or denial of your custody or visitation rights.  
  • Provide your child with a sense of stability and permanency by being legally recognized as their father.  

Why Is It Important for Mothers and Children to Establish Paternity?

For mothers, establishing paternity is crucial in holding the father legally accountable for providing financial support. This allows your child to receive the resources they need to grow and succeed. Even if the father is not actively involved in the child’s life, establishing paternity paves the way for child support enforcement. In cases where the father denies paternity, you can pursue DNA testing or other evidence to prove biological parentage.

How Civil Family Resolutions Law Firm Helps with Paternity Cases

At Civil Family Resolutions Law Firm, we offer comprehensive services to assist with all aspects of paternity cases. Here’s a look at what we do:

  • Establishing Paternity: We assist mothers and fathers in taking the necessary legal steps to establish paternity, ensuring that the rights and responsibilities of both parents are recognized.
  • Genetic Testing Coordination: We facilitate DNA testing when needed to confirm paternity in a clear and legal manner.    
  • Contesting Paternity: If there’s a paternity dispute, we provide strong legal advocacy to protect your interests and seek a resolution.  
  • Child Support and Custody Agreements: Once paternity is established, we assist in creating fair child support and custody arrangements that prioritize the child’s best interests.  
  • Modifying Existing Agreements: For clients needing changes to existing custody or support agreements, we work to address evolving circumstances and secure appropriate modifications.  
  • Protecting Parental Rights: Whether you’re seeking to assert or defend your parental rights, we’re committed to protecting your relationship with your child.

Throughout the entire process, we aim to keep you well-informed, helping you understand what different court rulings may mean for you and your responsibilities toward the child.

Protect Your Rights Today

Don’t let paternity issues jeopardize your rights or your child’s future. Time is a critical factor in resolving these matters, so it’s important to act quickly. At Civil Family Resolutions Law Firm, our Orlando paternity lawyer is ready to stand up for your interests by any legal means necessary. Contact us today to discuss your situation and start taking action.

Paternity Frequently Asked Questions

Florida has specific laws and procedures in place to address paternity matters. Our paternity lawyer in Orlando can provide you with helpful information on various aspects of paternity, including the cost of filing, time limits, claiming, and contesting paternity claims.

How Much Does It Cost to File for Paternity in Florida?

Filing for paternity in Florida involves certain costs, which may vary depending on the circumstances and the specific legal procedures involved. The expenses typically include court filing fees, DNA testing costs (if required), and lawyer fees for family law matters (when applicable). It is advisable to consult with a family lawyer to get an accurate estimate of the costs involved in your particular case.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Florida?

In Florida, there is no specific time limit for a father to establish paternity. However, it is crucial to initiate the process as early as possible to protect your rights and ensure the child’s well-being.

Establishing paternity can be done at the time of birth or at any time thereafter. DNA testing can also be done in utero; however, paternity cannot be established until the child is born. It is important to note that the longer the delay, the more complex the legal process may become. You should schedule a simple and hassle-free consultation with a lawyer as soon as possible.

How Do I Claim Paternity in Florida?

To claim paternity in Florida, there are several options available:

  • Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity: If both parents agree on the child’s biological father, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital or later at the Office of Vital Statistics. This form legally establishes paternity without court involvement.
  • Administrative Order of Paternity: If the mother is receiving public assistance, the Florida Department of Revenue can establish paternity administratively. This process may involve genetic testing and the issuance of an administrative order.
  • Court Order: If there is a dispute regarding paternity or if one party refuses to acknowledge it, either parent can file a petition with the court to establish paternity. The court may order genetic testing and make a determination based on the results.

Speak with our leading Orlando paternity attorney for personalized guidance and clarity on the best course of action.

How Do I Contest Paternity in Florida?

If someone doubts they are the biological father of a child, they have the right to contest paternity. This process begins by filing a formal petition with the court, which may then order genetic testing to establish the biological relationship. Given the complexity of paternity disputes, it is essential to seek guidance from an experienced family lawyer to ensure the legal procedures are handled effectively and accurately.

Do I Need an Orlando Paternity Lawyer?

While hiring a lawyer for paternity matters is not mandatory, it is highly recommended, especially if the case involves complexities or disputes. A skilled Orlando paternity lawyer can provide valuable guidance, defend your rights, and represent your interests in court. They can also assist in navigating the legal process, filing necessary paperwork, and negotiating settlements, if applicable.

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