Paternity suits in Florida are intended to determine the biological parentage of children. This information can be used to determine child support payments, time-sharing and custody arrangements and responsibility for the children. In the state of Florida, there is a distinction between the biological father and the legal father of a child. Hollywood paternity lawyer Ben I. Farbstein, we can help you navigate the complexities of paternity suits and determinations to achieve the best possible result in your case.
If the parents are married at the time of the birth of the child, legal paternity is usually conferred on the husband automatically. This allows him to participate fully in caring for the child and in making decisions on his or her behalf. Unmarried couples can establish legal paternity by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. These legal documents are then filed with the clerk of the court and become binding 60 days after this filing. Paternity tests can be requested by either the mother, a representative, the Florida Department of Revenue or the alleged father to determine the DNA heritage of the child or children. Your Hollywood Florida paternity lawyer can help you determine the right course of action for your situation.
In cases in which paternity is contested or in which the alleged father is not paying child support, genetic testing is conducted to determine the parentage of the child. Swabs are used to collect DNA from both the supposed father and the child. A comparison is made by an approved independent laboratory and the results are delivered to the Florida Department of Revenue. If child support is due, an Administrative Order of Paternity will be issued. The courts will then determine the amount of child support due. The Florida Office of Vital Statistics will add the name of the biological father to the child’s birth certificate to ensure that the public record is complete and accurate.
If you need the services of an experienced Hollywood Florida paternity lawyer, the Law Offices of Ben I. Farbstein can help you with the most assertive representation and the best guidance for establishing paternity for your child. Give us a call at 954-962-5900 to discuss your case and to begin the process today. We look forward to the chance to serve your legal needs.
