Seminole Paternity Lawyer
Paternity is a legal relationship which gives a man the right to see a child. At the same time, paternity obligates him to financially support the child, even if he doesn’t live with the mother. In Florida, paternity disputes often arise when a mother is not married to the man who fathered the child. Sometimes the courts need to get involved to establish paternity.
The Reep Law Firm can help with a paternity suit. We are available to help explain the process and what to expect. Call to schedule a consultation with a Seminole paternity lawyer.
Why is Paternity Crucial?
Often, we represent men who want to see their child. But because they weren’t married to the mother at the moment of birth, the man has no legal right to custody or visitation. This is where you might need to file a paternity suit.
When the parents agree on who the father is, they can voluntarily sign an acknowledgement form. However, a suit involving the courts is necessary when the two of them cannot agree.
We can also help a mother establish paternity if she is seeking child support. A man has no obligation to financially support a child if he isn’t the father. Some mothers work with the state to establish paternity, since the state of Florida is eager to get men to support their children and remove them from the welfare rolls.
Is a DNA Test Necessary in a Paternity Case?
Not always. As mentioned above, the mother and father can establish paternity by signing an acknowledgement form, either at the hospital or later. There is no reason for a test if they both agree on paternity. During a lawsuit in court, a judge will rely on all kinds of evidence to establish paternity. Sometimes witness testimony might be sufficient to establish the identity of the father.
DNA testing is common, however. A DNA test can establish a genetic connection between the man and child, and judges usually order that a man take the test.
Call Our Seminole Paternity Lawyers for Assistance
Are you involved in a paternity dispute? Call The Reep Law Firm today to speak with a Seminole paternity lawyer. We can review where your case stands and fill out the forms necessary to start a lawsuit.
It’s critical to work with an experienced family law attorney in a paternity case. Once a court establishes paternity, the judge will quickly move on to establish custody and child support. A man without a lawyer could quickly find himself being ordered to pay thousands of dollars in child support. He is probably unprepared for making a legal argument on his behalf.
You need a lawyer who understands these issues and can advocate for your rights during the paternity hearing and after. Our firm has helped many men and women with paternity actions. We are available to meet to provide an overview of what to expect or discuss concerns you might have with DNA testing. Schedule your private consultation today.
