Largo Paternity Lawyer
A mother’s maternity is established at birth, but paternity is different. A man isn’t the father simply because he says he is. Instead, he usually must be married to the mother at birth or take other steps after a child is delivered.
Paternity is critical in Florida, as in every other state. Before a man has any legal right to see a child, he must establish paternity. Likewise, the state can’t demand a man pay even a dime of child support until his paternity is established.
Call Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff if you have questions about paternity. Our Largo paternity lawyer will jump in and help untangle the legal and factual issues. Sometimes, we can establish paternity by signing a form, but other cases will require a DNA test and court hearing. Our firm is ready to help either the mother or alleged father in these cases.
Ways to Establish Paternity in Florida
There are a few ways a man can establish paternity:
- Marriage at time of birth. A man is considered the father if he is married to the mother when she gives birth.
- Marriage after birth. The mother might marry the child’s father after giving birth. A man’s name is not automatically added to the child’s birth certificate. However, the parents can get the father’s name added using a written affirmation.
- Acknowledgement of paternity. Both parents can sign a form acknowledging the man is the father. This is a legally effective method when parents are not married.
- Paternity suit. A paternity suit is typically necessary when either the man or woman disagrees about paternity. A lawyer can help with a paternity lawsuit.
Most paternity suits rely on a DNA test to establish a genetic connection between the man and child. This DNA test is sufficient to establish paternity in most cases.
Our firm can represent either side in a paternity dispute. Once paternity is established, a judge will establish custody and child support obligations. For this reason, you should hire an attorney to assist you. Florida has taken quite a bit of guesswork out of child support obligations, but the child might have unique needs. Also, a contested custody fight requires ample preparation.
Someone without a lawyer could find himself paying thousands of dollars in child support and barely see his child. There is no reason to walk into a paternity dispute unprepared.
Contact Our Largo Paternity Lawyer to Find Out More
Establishing paternity is critical for both men and women, as well as for the state of Florida. The state is committed to making sure that they support as few children as possible with welfare. For that reason, the state often takes the lead on establishing that a man is the father—so they can begin charging him for child support.
Contact Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff today to speak with a Largo paternity lawyer. We can walk you through what to expect in a contested paternity suit and help you prepare.
