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Establishing Paternity For Your Child

Asking for a paternity test is no easy task. But it’s an important step to take if there’s any doubt about the paternity of the child. Knowing that the baby is yours will only make your current bond stronger and if the opposite should be found, you will be under no legal obligation to care for the child and provide for a child that is, in fact, not an issue of your body.

Happy Family
  • Strengthens the bond between father and child

  • Establishes the child’s right to receive benefits through you, i.e. inheritances and military benefits

  • Helps in managing a child’s health by avoiding genetic issues

  • Help you obtain custody of your child

  • Help you get your child support for a child

  • Aids with immigration concerns

BENEFITS OF PATERNITY TESTS

Parents have rights and obligations regarding their children. Unfortunately, many people aren’t well acquainted with laws regarding child support, visitation, and custody, but those rights stem from a finding of paternity. At The Wheeler Firm, we understand how difficult it can be to understand laws governing paternity, but we’re here to help. We understand that everyone is faced with a unique situation and as such, you need a family law attorney who can adapt and understand your point of view. Contact us today to get started with a law firm that cares about you, your family, and your child’s needs!

Paternity Attorney in Okaloosa County and Walton County

Why Is Paternity Important?

Establishing paternity is important for everyone: the mother, the father, the child, and even grandparents, under certain circumstances. For a mother, establishing paternity means she’ll be able to seek child support from the father. Child support is almost always needed to provide care for the child, especially if you work long hours or need to hire a caretaker. Having access to the father’s health information is also important for raising a child and providing the best possible care for your family.

For a father, establishing paternity is important if you want to have legal rights like visitation or if you want to pursue custody. These matters will not be considered unless the court first recognizes the child’s paternity.

The child can benefit from a finding of paternity, too. By knowing who the father is, the child may be able to receive state and federal benefits like Social Security benefits, or military and veteran benefits and the child will be better able to gain access to health information that is crucial to comprehensive care. Additionally, most people believe that children who grow up knowing who both parents are can be better adjusted in life.

How Is Paternity Established?

In Florida, if the mother and the alleged father agree on who the child’s father is, they are able to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. By signing this form, both parents are swearing under oath that the information is true. Sixty days after they sign the form, paternity will be finalized and, after this period of time, neither parent will be able to revoke it.

In a case where there is no voluntary acknowledgment, any of the following will be able to start the court process.

1

The Florida Department of Child Support Services

2

The child through a legal representative

3

The child’s mother

4

The man who believes he is the father or is the father

Why Should You Contact A Lawyer?

If you’ve decided that establishing paternity is in your best interest, you’ll need an experienced family lawyer to walk you through the process and represent you. Like any aspect of family law, paternity law can be complicated and without the help of a legal expert, you may not know where to begin. Give us a call today to get started at (850) 273-6930.

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