Pembroke Pines, FL Paternity Attorneys

In addition to natural responsibilities to their children, parents also have a legal responsibility – specifically father’s who are required to pay their share of child support, but some fathers are looking for more despite what traditional gender roles suggest. Other fathers might be overwhelmed by accepting responsibility for a child as it can have several emotional and financial implications on their life. There are also those who find themselves being claimed as a father of a child they don’t believe to be their own. Whether you are a father establishing paternity, have child support liabilities, are filing for custody or visitation rights, are a mother in search of child support, or more, our Pembroke Pines paternity attorneys can help you find a solution. Call Divorce & Mediation Law Firm today to request a consultation. 

Paternity In Florida

In the state of Florida, if the parents of a child are married at the time of the birth, the father is presumed to be the legal father. However, if the child is born outside of a marriage, paternity has to be established through a voluntary acknowledgement signed by both parties even if the father’s name is on the birth certificate. There is also what’s called involuntary paternity. If a man disputes paternity, it can be established through an involuntary process which typically involves one of the parties, either the mother or the alleged father, filing a court action to determine paternity.

Once paternity is established, a father automatically gains rights and responsibilities, including financial ones. If a father also gains full custody, they’ll be responsible for other things like the child’s medical decisions, schooling, and more. 

Why Is Paternity So Important? 

There are several reasons establishing paternity is so important, but the top three include the following. 

• Benefits to the father

By establishing paternity, a father gains the rights to visitation, custody and a say in how the child will be brought up. 

• Benefits to the mother

Being a single parent is difficult. Taking care of yourself mentally, emotionally, financially and physically is a lot. When a child comes into the mix, taking care of them is a natural duty, but that doesn’t make it easy. When a mother is able to share these responsibilities with their child’s father, they can gain financial and sometimes physical support. 

• Beneficial to the child

Studies have proven that children who grow up with two active parents, but especially an active father in their life, have a more stable and nurturing environment to grow in. With two parents comes twice the emotional, physical and mental support which can significantly shape their cognitive development. 

Our Experienced Pembroke Pines Paternity Attorneys Are On Your Side

At Divorce & Mediation Law Firm, we care about our clients and put their mind at ease during processes like this. Whether you are a father looking to gain rights, a mother looking for much-needed child support, or are being taken advantage of by someone falsely claiming you as a father, we want to help you reach your desired end result. We have the experience and the knowledge to guide you through the paternity process and answer any questions you may have along the way. Not only are our attorneys highly responsive, but they do what is necessary in every situation, so no matter what the circumstance is surrounding your need for paternity, our dedicated and diligent attorneys are looking to be a cornerstone of support for you during this time. Call today to request a consultation with one of our Pembroke Pines paternity attorneys and learn about your next steps!