Lake County Paternity Attorney
Helping Fathers Establish Their Parental Rights in Florida
Fathers may be concerned about their ability to gain custody of their child or they may be concerned about their financial obligations to their child under Florida law. Fathers should take action to protect their rights and their child's best interests as soon as possible. An experienced paternity lawyer in Lake County can help you understand your rights and options.
At the Law Offices of Jason G. Smith, P.A., we have been helping families and businesses in the Orlando area resolve family law and business disputes for more than a decade. We are committed to providing personal, professional, and compassionate legal services.
Request a consultation online or call (407) 634-2784 to discuss your paternity rights.
What Is Paternity?
Paternity is the process of determining if a man is the biological father of a child. It is important for both the child and the father to determine paternity. Establishing paternity gives the father the right to seek custody and visitation with his child, as well as the right to receive notice of any legal proceedings involving the child. It also gives the father the right to receive information about the child's health and other vital information.
Paternity can be established in one of two ways. The parents may sign an acknowledgment of paternity, which can be submitted to the Florida Department of Children and Families. This document is a legal document stating the parents' agreement that the man is the child's father. This is a simple process and can be done without the involvement of an attorney. The parents may also go through a more formal process called a paternity action. A paternity action is filed in a Florida circuit court and the judge will decide if the man is the child's father based on the evidence presented. The evidence may include genetic testing.
Why Should a Father Establish Paternity?
There are many reasons why a father may want to establish paternity. For example, a father may want to establish custody and visitation rights so that he can spend time with his child. A father may also want to be involved in decisions about his child's education and healthcare. A father may also be responsible for paying child support.
Another important reason for establishing paternity is that a father's medical and life insurance may be more affordable if he has established paternity. Paternity also establishes the child's legal surname. A child may have a different last name from the mother if the parents have different last names. A father's name is also added to the child's birth certificate.
Protecting Your Rights as a Father
Establishing paternity is crucial for fathers who want to protect their rights and responsibilities regarding their children. Our experienced paternity attorney at Law Offices of Jason G. Smith can guide you through the legal process of establishing paternity in Florida and help you understand your rights as a father.
Benefits of establishing paternity include:
- Legal recognition as the child's father
- Access to visitation and custody rights
- The ability to make decisions regarding the child's upbringing
- Eligibility for child support and medical benefits
Don't wait to establish your parental rights. Contact our paternity attorney today to schedule a consultation and protect your relationship with your child.
Contact Our Lake County Paternity Attorney
Whether you are considering establishing paternity or have already begun the process, you need to work with an experienced paternity lawyer in Lake County. We can help you review your options and represent you in court if necessary.
Request a consultation online or call (407) 634-2784 to discuss your paternity rights with our experienced Lake County paternity attorney.