Strong Advocacy in Paternity-Related Matters
Paternity issues are very common in child support cases, and they can also be important for time sharing (custody and visitation), adoption, inheritance, health care and more. Paternity is an issue that can affect everyone involved with the child — and of course, the child itself.
I'm attorney Robert Segal. If you need legal help determining or disputing paternity, please call my Melbourne, Florida, office at 321-757-6906 to schedule an appointment today.
Unwed Fathers' Rights
Under current Florida law, if a child is conceived out of wedlock, the man is referred to as an unwed father. Even if he is the father on the birth certificate, he may be well advised to contact an experienced family law attorney to discuss his legal rights and responsibilities to his child in a manner that fully protects him and the child going forward.
If the mother decides to keep the child, the unwed father must pay child support if a court determines that he is the father. He then has the right to time sharing (visitation) with his child and may seek custody. An unwed father who wishes to be informed about decisions involving his child can put his name on the putative father registry.
Filing a Paternity Suit
No one can simply waive rights to a child if proven to be the father or mother. To declare that a man is the father of a child, a court suit called a paternity action is filed by either the mother or the putative father. If paternity is established, the court will order the father to pay child support and grant him time-sharing (custody or visitation) rights. Usually, DNA testing is used to prove paternity.
Having a Strong Legal Voice on Your Side
Paternity-related questions and concerns can be responded to promptly and accurately by an experienced family lawyer. For knowledgeable representation, please contact me. I have considerable experience with paternity cases and dealing with the Florida Department of Revenue and the hearing officers. Contact me by e-mail or call my office at 321-757-6906 to make an appointment.
