Paternity Cases in Florida

Parents who are married when their child is born are not required to do anything to prove the paternity of the father. Paternity cases generally involve the father of a child who is not married to the child's mother. The establishment of paternity results in many benefits to a child as well as to the mother. The child is given the stability of knowing who his/her father is. Other benefits include a family and medical history, health and life insurance benefits, financial support, and other benefits which may apply, such as Social Security, military benefits, and inheritance. The mother also receives the benefit of having additional financial support for her child.

For the father who establishes his paternity, a lifelong relationship with his child can be established. He can also be given parental rights concerning decisions about the child as well as custody arrangements to which he would not have access without legally establishing his paternity.

In Florida, paternity can be established when the child of unmarried parents is born by having the unmarried couple sign a legal document in the hospital or a short time later called Acknowledgement of Paternity. It can also be established through DNA testing which proves fatherhood followed by an administrative order from the court making giving legal status to the father.

Family Legal Specialist in Jacksonville, Florida

Paternity cases are often initiated by fathers seeking visitation rights to their children or by unmarried mothers seeking child support from their children's biological father. Whatever the reason for the case, it can be resolved through DNA testing which will determine the actual paternity of the alleged father. One a father's paternity has been established, he still must request visitation rights from the court which is another whole legal process.

If you are a parent in the Jacksonville area that needs help with a paternity issue, the family law firm of Charles E. Willmott, P.A. can provide outstanding help. Mr. Willmott has close to 20 years of experience in divorce and family law. He is also a Board Certified attorney in this field, having met all of the tough requirements set forth by the Florida Bar to achieve this prestigious status. Being Board Certified means Mr. Willmott is considered a legal expert in his field of law. This places him at the top of his profession and in a category that few other attorneys achieve. All of this means that your case will be in the hands of one of the top divorce and family law attorneys in the state. To learn more and to arrange to speak with Mr. Willmott about your case, contact the firm to make an appointment.