Disputes about paternity are stressful for everyone. Sometimes paternity suits arise because mothers feel a biological father is not taking responsibility for their child. At other times, biological fathers might feel left out and believe the mother is denying them access to their child. Because there is a child involved, it is important to resolve the matter as swiftly and peacefully as possible.
A Fort Lauderdale paternity lawyer understands how sensitive these issues can be. A compassionate family attorney can work closely with you to reach a solution that looks out for your rights and protects your child.
Relevant Law Regarding Paternity
In Florida, there is a presumption of paternity in the following situations:
- When a child is born to married parents;
- When a father lists his name on the child’s birth certificate and later marries the mother;
- When a father puts his name on the birth record and also signs a voluntary acknowledgement that he is the father.
Unmarried biological fathers do not have automatic parental rights. They need to establish those rights by signing a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity at the time of their child’s birth. When there is a dispute, either the mother or the biological father can pursue an involuntary paternity determination to establish paternity rights.
At The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm, a diligent team of Fort Lauderdale attorneys has extensive experience helping people establish legal paternity rights.
Why is Establishing Paternity Important?
Establishing paternity is crucial for a mother, father, and child. When a Judge determines a man is the father of a child, that decision can have a significant impact on child custody, parenting plans, child support, and other legal matters.
How Establishing Paternity Benefits a Child
Some of the things paternity can provide to a child are as follows:
- Establishes certain rights for the child, including the right to collect an inheritance from their father;
- Establishes the right for the child to access medical, dental, and life insurance benefits under their father’s plans;
- Gives the child a sense of confidence, history, and identity by allowing them to build a relationship with their father and his side of the family.
Knowing who the father is can also have potential health benefits by giving the child a better view of any genetic health conditions on the father’s side of the family.
How Establishing Paternity Benefits a Father
Establishing a man as the father of a child gives him parental rights. As the legal father, the man can legally sue for custody and visitation rights so he can build a relationship with his child.
How Establishing Paternity Benefits a Mother
With a declaration of paternity, a child’s mother can legally request the father make child support payments.
A dedicated Fort Lauderdale attorney understands how important paternity matters are and will give each case the time and attention necessary to reach a fair resolution.
Call a Fort Lauderdale Paternity Attorney Today
Being a parent is one of the most important responsibilities a person can have and can bring joy to one’s life. However, paternity rights are not always guaranteed.
When you want to establish your rights as a father or you want the right to pursue child support payments from your child’s biological father, reach out to a Fort Lauderdale paternity lawyer from The Florida Probate & Family Law Firm. We have the knowledge and experience to help, so call our office today to set up your free case evaluation.