Every child deserves a meaningful, loving relationship with a father. While that’s not always possible, the relationship has no chance at all when the father has no legal recognition, no duties and no rights. Florida law provides means by which a father, a mother or a child may establish paternity with all of its responsibilities and privileges. The family law attorneys at Tucker Mitnik, P.A. help clients petition the court for a finding of paternity, which confers benefits to the parents and the child.
Florida law provides five ways to establish legal paternity:
Under Florida law, a child does not have a legal father if the mother is unmarried when the child is born. By establishing paternity, you ensure a number of basic rights for your child, such as:
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Finally, children who have the prospect of being adopted by a stepparent may request that the legal father terminate his parental rights, clearing the way for the adoption.
Mothers establish their right to receive child support payments. An unwed mother who wishes to give her child up for adoption may get a release from the legal father.
Fathers may get a court order for parenting time and decision-making authority that will allow them to participate fully in their children’s lives.
If you wish to pursue action to establish paternity, the family law attorneys at Tucker Mitnik, P.A. can help. To schedule a consultation, call 321-392-5239 or contact our Melbourne office online.