Establishing paternity is a legal process where a man is deemed to be a child’s father through a DNA test. Or, consent of the parties or testimony established at a hearing before the court can suffice.
This action is needed when a child is born out of wedlock or when parties do not marry before the date of birth of the child.
Additionally, the process is needed for many other reasons, such as if the father is not listed on the birth certificate or to ensure the father’s time sharing and other rights as well as to require the payment of child support.
When dealing with these cases, it is vital to approach each matter with a level of kindness and respect.
Our lawyers are experts in this area of family law, and we work for the well being of our client to ensure that the best outcome can be achieved.
Reasons to Establish Paternity
To establish paternity, one party must have a valid reason.
Here are some of the reasons that are needed for a paternity lawyer to represent you in such cases.
- Proving the child’s identity or giving the child an identity in the first place
- Defining the health history for the child’s medical care
- Defining if child support is required
- Determining the proper amount of support
- Defining any owed support if applicable
- Qualifying for public assistance
- Receiving Social Security, health insurance, inheritance, or veterans’ benefits
- Defining the line of succession for an inheritance from the biological father
- Letting the father pursue custody or gain visitation rights
- Getting the father’s name placed on the child’s birth certificate
- Letting the father take part in the decision-making process for the child’s medical care, religion, education, etc.
- Defining the father to establish a medical history for the benefit of the child
Who Can File a Paternity Request?
The state of Florida allows a paternity action to be filed by either party, the father or the mother.
As a result, this will dictate visitation rights and child support and all other issues with the minor child.
In addition, if the father is trying to create a relationship with his child, paternity is needed to ensure his rights.
After Paternity is Established
The father is allowed the same rights that a married father would have. As a result, this will also permit the child to have the father as a part of his or her life.
Likewise, we want to ensure that all parties’ rights are protected for the best benefit of the child’s and parent’s future.
Paternity Attorneys
A high-quality paternity lawyer is needed to determine paternity, and our lawyers can help you.
For example, we help on both sides of cases.
Whether you are filing for paternity action as a mother or if you are the subject of such an action, we can work with you. Likewise, it is vital that these cases be dealt with in a timely manner.
Our team serves clients in Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau counties in North Florida.
We have the best lawyers in the area, and we will work hard to protect your rights through these trying times.
So, contact us today to learn more about the services we offer.
