Attorney for Child Support and Paternity Issues in Broward And Miami-Dade County
Do I Have to Pay Child Support for a Kid That is Not Mine?
Paternity Attorney in Broward County
Parents have a natural and legal responsibility to their children. Fathers are responsible for paying their share of child support. As a father, you may also want to pursue physical custody or visitation rights over your children.
Unfortunately, family law and court processes are not that easy. To help you navigate the system, it is best to call a dedicated paternity attorney.
Issues of paternity can be sensitive, and errors could significantly affect your finances and emotional wellbeing. For example, if you paid child support for years and later found out that you’re not the biological father, it’s almost impossible to ask for refunds. Hence, we recommend settling paternity issues as early as possible.
If your case needs a reliable Broward County paternity attorney, contact the team at Cabanas Law Firm for a consultation.
When Do You Need a Paternity Attorney?
While paternal responsibilities are similar across states, the applicable laws could differ. Therefore, it’s best to consult a paternity attorney, especially if you face the following issues or concerns:
- Establishing paternity
- Child support liabilities
- Filing for custody or visitation rights
Contact Us Today for Your Consultation
Call Now: (954) 447-2580
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Why Choose Cabanas Law Firm?
- Fully Bilingual – Our attorneys and staff are fluent in English and Spanish, so you don’t have to worry about the details getting lost in translation.
- Over Six Decades of Combined Experience – Sergio Cabanas, Esq. was admitted into the Florida Bar Association in 1991 and founded the firm in 2006. The firm’s attorneys have more than six decades of combined experience in family law.
- Clients Are the Priority – Our Broward and Miami-Dade County family law & divorce attorneys make each client a priority. We respond to all communications within 24 hours and provide concierge-level client services to busy professionals.
- Certified Mediators – As certified mediators, our attorneys can help clients resolve divorce and family law issues with as little contention as possible.
- Three Office Locations– Cabanas Law Firm has three offices in South Florida. You can meet with an attorney at our Pembroke Pines, Weston, or Sunny Isles Beach office.
Establishing Paternity In Florida
Paternity laws may vary from state to state. In Florida, the husband is automatically named and presumed to be the child’s legal father. But for unmarried couples, filing an action is required to establish paternity. Although in most cases, signing an agreement with the biological mother will suffice. Either process is necessary, even if the unmarried father’s name is written on the child’s birth certificate.
As the legal father, you will be responsible for financially supporting the child. And if you’re granted legal custody, you will also be responsible for making medical decisions for your child. You will also have the right to demand visitation rights, custody, or time-sharing parental responsibility.
It is important to note that the statute of limitations for filing paternity actions in Florida is four years after the child reaches 18 years old (the age of majority). To learn more about the process, contact Cabanas Law Firm and schedule a consultation with an experienced Broward County paternity attorney.
What If I’M Not The Father?
There are instances when a mother identifies you as the biological father and requests child support payments. If you’re confident that you are not the child’s father, you might be thinking of skipping the scheduled court hearing. However, this is a bad move.
If you fail or refuse to appear in court, you won’t have a chance to present your side and prove to the judge that you’re not the father. Judges might be inclined to think that you’re trying to hide or run away from legal responsibility if you’re a no-show in court. Showing up in court might seem inconvenient, but doing so would help you avoid unnecessary legal trouble in the future. If you have this dilemma, better discuss strategies with our Broward County Paternity Attorney. Set up an appointment today.
Biological Vs. Legal Father
There is a difference between a biological and legal father. From the term itself, the biological father is the one whose DNA matches the child. The legal father, on the other hand, is the person recognized by a court to be responsible for child support and can assert visitation and custody rights.
A biological and legal father may be one and the same person, but in certain circumstances, they could be two different people. This could happen among adopted children or when a married woman bears a child from someone other than her husband.
Can I Ask For Refunds If I Mistakenly Paid Child Support?
Unfortunately, this is a tricky one. If you have been diligently paying child support and later find out you’re not the father, you cannot just ask for refunds from the mother or the child. You may, however, ask for refunds from the biological father. That is if he is eventually identified or located.
To avoid this headache, it’s best to be vigilant. If you have doubts, contact the team at Cabanas Law Firm. Then consult with a paternity attorney who can discuss the best options for your situation.
Why Choose The Divorce & Mediation Law Firm
Highly Responsive – We strive for rapid return calls. No going dark or waiting days to hear back.
We Take Complex and Difficult Cases – This is where tenacity and knowledge of the law matter. We do what’s necessary, even in challenging situations.
Experienced – Our attorneys have had years of experience in handling divorces for doctors, business owners, and executives, and we are 100% dedicated to divorce and family law.
Honesty and Transparency – You’ve made an important decision in your life. We respect you for that. Our approach focuses on efficiency and speed to resolve cases as quickly as we can to get your life back to normal sooner.
Caring & Compassionate (Truly) – We have a personal connection to divorce and family law matters. We know what it takes, even in extraordinarily difficult situations.
Personalized Attention – We understand and respect that every client’s needs are unique. We treat all of our clients with the attention they deserve.
Why Choose The Divorce & Mediation Law Firm
1. Highly Responsive – We strive for rapid return calls. No going dark or waiting days to hear back.
2. We Take Complex and Difficult Cases – This is where tenacity and knowledge of the law matter. We do what’s necessary, even in challenging situations.
3. Experienced – Our attorneys have had years of experience in handling divorces for doctors, business owners, and executives, and we are 100% dedicated to divorce and family law.
4. Honesty and Transparency – You’ve made an important decision in your life. We respect you for that. Our approach focuses on efficiency and speed to resolve cases as quickly as we can to get your life back to normal sooner.
5. Caring & Compassionate (Truly) – We have a personal connection to divorce and family law matters. We know what it takes, even in extraordinarily difficult situations.
6. Personalized Attention – We understand and respect that every client’s needs are unique. We treat all of our clients with the attention they deserve.
Meet Our Attorneys
Sergio Cabanas, Esq.
Managing Attorney & Founder
Laura Grossman, Esq.
Senior Associate Attorney
Brian Prieto, Esq.
Associate Attorney
Real Clients, Real Testimonials
Professional Associations
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Our Locations
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Broward County:
- Pembroke Pines
- Miramar
- Weston
- Cooper City
- Hollywood
- Davie
- Southwest Ranches
- Sunrise
- Plantation
- Fort Lauderdale
Miami-Dade County:
- Sunny Isles Beach
- Aventura
- Golden Beach
- North Beach
- North bay Village
- Dania Beach
- Hallandale Beach
- Bal Harbour
- Bay Harbor Islands
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