Paternity

Paternity Lawyers in Stuart, FL 

Establishing & Protecting Parental Rights in Florida

For unmarried parents in Stuart and surrounding areas, establishing paternity is a crucial legal step that secures rights, responsibilities, and benefits for both the child and the parents. If a child is born to an unmarried mother, the law states that the child has no legal father, and the mother is entirely responsible for the child’s welfare.

At ADL Law, P.A., our Stuart paternity attorneys have extensive experience in this complex area of Florida family law. Whether you are a father seeking recognition or a mother seeking support, we have a strong track record of success in establishing or contesting paternity quickly and efficiently, while protecting your rights and best interests.

Reach out online or call (772) 280-5052 to book a free initial consultation with a Stuart paternity lawyer. Your meeting can be held virtually for convenience. 

The Needs of Unmarried Mothers & Fathers

The process of establishing paternity in Florida is vital for both parents to achieve their goals regarding the child.

Needs of Unmarried Mothers

  • Financial support: The primary need is securing financial child support from the biological father. Paternity must be legally established before a court can issue an enforceable order for support.
  • Medical history: Gaining legal access to the father's family medical history to ensure the child receives appropriate medical care.
  • Benefits access: Securing the child's eligibility for benefits derived from the father, such as Social Security, veteran's benefits, or military allowances, if available.

Needs of Unmarried Fathers

  • Parental rights: The father needs paternity established to gain legal time-sharing (custody) and input into decisions concerning the child (parental responsibility). Without a legal finding of paternity, a biological father has no legal standing or rights.
  • Relationship and recognition: Establishing the legal right to have his name placed on the birth certificate and ensuring the child knows who his father is.

Understanding the Process of Establishing Paternity

Under Florida law, paternity is established when a child is born during a couple’s marriage, or through an Establishment of Paternity process for unmarried parents. Since a child born outside of marriage does not have a legal father, it is best to move quickly to secure these rights.

The process involves:

  • Voluntary acknowledgement - Both parents can sign an Acknowledgment of Paternity. If this is contested or not completed at the hospital, formal legal action may be necessary.
  • Petition for paternity - Filing a formal petition with the Circuit Court.
  • DNA testing - If either party contests biological parentage, the court will order DNA testing (sometimes called blood or genetic testing). This test is nearly 100% accurate and provides the definitive evidence the court needs.

While the process may seem daunting, we have the skills to help you establish paternity in a timely and professional manner.

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