Tampa Paternity Attorney
Paternity is at the center of many family law disputes. When a married couple has a child together, there is a presumption that both spouses are the biological parents of the child. When an unwed couple has a child together, there is not this same presumption. In these cases, it is important to establish paternity. This is not only because all children deserve to have a father, but also because establishing paternity gives both of the parents and the child certain legal rights. Below, our Tampa paternity attorney outlines how to do it.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
Establishing paternity has many benefits for both of the parents, as well as the child. The benefits for the child include:
- A thorough understanding of their family medical history,
- Knowing the identity of their father,
- A birth certificate that reflects their father’s name,
- The ability to have life or health insurance from each parent,
- Obtain financial support from each parent,
- Access to family government benefits including veterans’ benefits, military allowances, and Social Security benefits, and
- Receiving an inheritance from both parents.
Establishing paternity also has benefits for both the mother and father. Once paternity has been established, the father can have their name on the birth certificate. Perhaps even more importantly, fathers can also petition the court for child custody after it has been established that they are the father.
If the mother remains the primary caregiver for the child after paternity has been established, she also has the right to petition the court for child support. There are many factors the court will consider when determining whether to award child support and if so, the amount of support to be paid.
How to Establish Paternity in Florida
In Tampa, and throughout the entire state, there are three ways paternity can be established. These are as follows:
- At birth: Paternity is automatically established when a child is born to married parents. Unmarried parents can voluntarily establish paternity at the hospital.
- By acknowledgement: If unwed parents do not establish paternity at the hospital, they can do so when the child is older. If the parents eventually get married, the marriage license can establish paternity.
- By court order: When there is a dispute among parents regarding paternity, the court can order genetic testing to establish paternity. If the Florida Department of Revenue orders genetic testing, there is no need to go to court.
Our Paternity Attorney in Tampa Can Help You Through the Process
Establishing paternity is one of the best ways to ensure that the rights of everyone in the family are upheld. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Tampa paternity attorney can review the facts of your case, determine which method of establishing paternity is best for your situation, and guide you through the process. We can then also help you take any further legal action, such as petitioning the court for child custody or support. Call us today at 1 (800) 990-7763 or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation and to get more information.