Dedicated Paternity Lawyers in Treasure Coast, FL

In Florida, the alleged father has the right to file a paternity case to establish his parental rights, such as visitation privileges, and to contest false paternity claims. This legal process allows the father to play an active role in the child’s life and ensures that he can exercise his parental rights and responsibilities. Similarly, the mother can file a paternity case at any time, whether during pregnancy or after the child is born. This is often done to secure financial support for the child through a legal child support agreement or to formally establish the father’s legal responsibilities, such as contributing to the child’s upbringing and welfare. Additionally, the State of Florida may initiate paternity proceedings in certain cases, particularly when public assistance is involved. For example, if a mother is receiving government benefits for the child, the state may seek to identify the biological father to ensure he contributes to the child’s financial needs, helping to offset the cost of public support.

In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a paternity suit is four years after a child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 years old. This provides a legal window to address paternity issues well into adulthood. However, it’s highly recommended that paternity matters be resolved as early as possible. Doing so ensures the child has the opportunity to build a meaningful relationship with both parents while they’re still growing. A paternity attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action for your case.

No, paternity must be legally established before a court can order child support. Here’s why this legal step is crucial:

• Legal Foundation – Child support orders require a court-recognized parent-child relationship. Without established paternity, there’s no legal basis for support obligations.
• Enforcement Power – Only legally established fathers can be held accountable for child support through wage garnishment, asset seizure, and other enforcement mechanisms.
• Protection for All Parties – Paternity establishment protects the alleged father from false claims while ensuring the child receives support from their biological father.

Establishing paternity grants fathers significant legal rights and responsibilities. However, these rights come with corresponding responsibilities, including child support obligations and the duty to participate actively in the child’s upbringing. A paternity lawyer can help you understand how to exercise these rights effectively while meeting your legal obligations. Here are the rights a father has if paternity is established in Florida:

• Time-Sharing Rights – Legal fathers can develop time-sharing schedules with their children.
• Decision-Making Authority – Established fathers gain the right to participate in important decisions about their child’s education, healthcare, and general welfare.
• Access to Records – Legal fathers can access their child’s medical, educational, and other important records.
• Inheritance Rights – Both father and child gain inheritance rights from each other once paternity is established.

Whether or not a mother can stop a father from seeing their child depends heavily on whether paternity has been legally established and what court orders exist. Factors include:

• Without Established Paternity – If paternity hasn’t been legally recognized, the mother generally has sole legal authority over the child, including decisions about visitation.
• With Established Paternity – Once paternity is confirmed, fathers have legal rights that mothers cannot arbitrarily deny. Courts will enforce time-sharing orders and can hold mothers in contempt for interfering with established visitation rights.
• Safety Concerns – Courts may restrict or supervise visitation if there are legitimate concerns about the child’s safety or well-being.