Paternity Lawyer in St. Johns, FL

Paternity refers to the legal relationship between a father and his child.

Establish Legal Rights with a Paternity Lawyer in St. Johns, FL

This relationship extends beyond biological connections, encompassing rights and responsibilities involving caregiving, custody, and financial support. A paternity lawyer in St. Johns, FL, can help resolve this issue.

Importance of Establishing Paternity

Establishing paternity holds significant importance for several reasons:

Child's Well-being: It allows the child to access benefits like health insurance, social security, and inheritance rights.
Legal Rights: It enables the father to seek custody or visitation rights. Without establishing paternity, a father may face challenges in affirming these rights.
Support and Responsibility: Paternity determination ensures that the child receives financial support from both parents and holds the father accountable for child support.

Methods of Establishing Paternity in Florida

There are several ways to establish paternity:

Voluntary Acknowledgement

One of the simplest methods involves signing a legal document known as the "Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity." Both parents sign this document, confirming the biological father-child relationship. This document is often signed at the hospital when the child is born but can also be signed later.

Administrative Orders Based on Genetic Testing

Genetic testing can establish paternity in cases where voluntary acknowledgment does not occur. This process begins with either parent requesting a DNA test. The testing involves taking genetic samples from the alleged father, mother, and child. The Florida Department of Revenue then reviews the test results and can issue an Administrative Order of Paternity if the results confirm a match.

Court Orders

Sometimes, legal intervention is necessary to determine paternity. If an alleged father contests the parentage, the court may order DNA testing. Either parent or the child, represented by a guardian, may file a paternity action. The court may order genetic testing as part of the trial. Once paternity is confirmed, the court issues an order establishing the child's legal father.

Legal Rights and Responsibilities Post-Establishment

Once the father establishes paternity, he gains several rights and responsibilities:

Custody and Visitation: The father can seek custody and visitation rights. Both parents need to create a parenting plan that outlines custody arrangements.
Child Support: The court may order child support based on Florida's guidelines. The support amount considers both parents' incomes and the child's needs.
Health Care and Education: Both parents gain the right to make decisions regarding the child’s health care, education, and general welfare.
Inheritance: The child gains the right to inherit from the father and vice versa. Inheritance rights include both personal property and entitlements like insurance or retirement benefits.

Challenges and Considerations

There are additional considerations associated with paternity, such as:

Disputes over Paternity

Disputes often arise regarding the biological relationship, which can complicate and lengthen the process. Genetic testing can settle the matter.

Impact on Child Support and Custody

While establishing paternity can lead to benefits, it carries responsibilities. The father becomes liable for ongoing child support and may also have to address previous support obligations.

Presumption of Paternity

Florida law presumes that a child born to a married couple is the husband’s child. This presumption can create complications when another man believes he is the child's father. Challenging this presumption requires thorough legal procedures, often involving genetic testing.

Importance of Legal Assistance

Understanding the legal complexities of paternity requires professional guidance. A paternity attorney in St. Johns, FL, can file the paperwork, support your case and protect your rights.

Schedule Your Preliminary Call

How Our Law Firm Can Help

Personalized Legal Support

At our paternity law firm in St. Johns, FL, we offer personalized legal support to mothers facing paternity issues. We provide comprehensive representation throughout the process, from filing for genetic tests to contesting or establishing paternity in court.

Custody and Child Support

Our attorneys assist in creating parenting plans and negotiating fair child support arrangements. We aim to secure the child's best interests while safeguarding our client's rights.

Resolving Disputes

We handle paternity disputes. Whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation, we strive for resolutions that maintain family harmony and ensure legal clarity.

Confidential Consultations

We understand the sensitive nature of paternity cases. Our firm offers confidential consultations to discuss your concerns and explore your options.

Contact Us

Contact the Florida Women’s Law Group today if you need assistance with paternity issues in St. Johns, FL. at (904) 241-0012 or complete our convenient message form online. Our experienced paternity lawyers in St. Johns, FL, stand ready to guide you through the process, with your rights and your child's best interests as our top priority.