Tampa Paternity Lawyer
Assisting Clients With Paternity Matters in Florida
Establishing legal paternity is a key component when it comes to child custody and child support agreements. Whoever is determined to be the legal father will have all the rights and responsibilities of a father. Some of these rights and responsibilities include the requirement to pay child support, coordinating with the child’s mother in a joint custody agreement, sole custody, visitation agreements, and more.
In some cases, there is a question about a child’s rightful legal father. When you are looking to establish paternity, turn to a paternity attorney in Tampa at Robert Sparks Attorneys. Determining arrangements for your children presents a unique challenge for any parent. Call our firm to discuss the option of paternity testing and how it relates to child custody and child support.
Determining paternity establishes rights and responsibilities for the legal father while also providing rights and benefits for the child. For example, a child can know who the legal father is, the father’s name will appear on the child’s birth certificate, the child can have access to their father’s family medical history, and the child can receive support from both parents, such as financial support and medical support. Only a legal parent is allowed to obtain a child support order, visitation order, and make decisions in the life of the child. These are just a few benefits of establishing paternity.
Call Robert Sparks Attorneys today at (813) 710-4816 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our paternity attorney in Tampa.
Five Ways to Establish Paternity in Florida
According to Florida law, there are five ways to establish paternity:
- Marriage: The parents are married to each other when the child is born.
- Acknowledgement of Paternity: The unmarried couple signs a legal document at the hospital when the child is born, or later.
- Administrative Order Based on Genetic Testing: Paternity is ordered if a genetic test proves fatherhood.
- Court Order: A judge orders paternity in court.
- Legitimation: The mother and natural father get married to each other after the child is born and update the birth record through the Florida Office of Vital Statistics.
Establishing Paternity Through Genetic Testing
In some cases, the best course of action is to conduct scientific testing to determine the genetic father of the child. The most common method for DNA testing in these types of cases is to take cell samples (typically a swab of the inside of the person’s cheek) from the supposed father, the mother, and the child. These tests are then compared to see if the man believed to be the father matches the DNA of the child. A judge can order genetic testing or another party can request it via an Administrative Order. In most cases where the paternity of a child is called into question, genetic testing is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are My Rights Once Paternity Is Established?
Once paternity is established, the father gains critical rights concerning the child. These rights include having a say in major decisions related to the child's upbringing, such as education, health, and welfare. Additionally, the father is entitled to seek custody or visitation rights, ensuring they play an active role in the child’s life. However, these rights also come with obligations, including the responsibility to provide financial support for the child's needs.
Can Paternity Be Established After the Father Has Passed Away?
Yes, paternity can still be established even if the alleged father has passed away. This might involve genetic testing of the deceased's relatives for a DNA comparison, or reviewing any previous acknowledgments of paternity documented before death. Establishing paternity posthumously can be crucial for securing social security benefits or inheritance rights for the child.
What Happens If a Man Denies Paternity?
If a man denies paternity, the court will typically require a genetic test to resolve the dispute. These tests are highly accurate and provide the needed evidence to confirm or refute a man's biological connection to the child. Should the test prove paternity, the father will then be held responsible for child support and can assert his parental rights as well.
Why Should I File a Paternity Claim?
Filing a paternity claim is essential for both the child's welfare and the rights of the parents. Establishing paternity legally secures the father’s rights to participate in the child's life and ensures the child's eligibility for benefits like health insurance and inheritance. It also guarantees that the child receives financial support, which is critical for their well-being and future stability.
Contact Our Paternity Attorney in Tampa Today
Every case that this firm handles is unique and made up of various differing circumstances. Determining paternity is incredibly important in the life of your child, and our firm understands this. Our goal is to help you accurately determine paternity so that the right custody, visitation, and child support agreements can be reached. A parenting agreement that fits your unique situation is vital to the best interests of your child and can have a great impact on stability throughout the course of the child’s life.
For answers to your questions about establishing paternity, please do not hesitate to speak with one of our experienced Tampa paternity lawyers by calling today at (813) 710-4816.
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At our firm, we have a reputation built on winning. Our ultimate goal is to protect and pursue your rights and your family’s well-being. With decades of collective experience, we are highly qualified and committed to securing the best legal outcomes for individuals who need the skill, dedication, and compassion of our trial attorneys.
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Read What Our Clients Say In Their Own Words.
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“The professionalism of staff, the promptness of responses to questions, and the overall guidance through the process after my accident was astounding. Rob and Garrett were absolutely AMAZING.”- Daner J.
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“I am very satisfied with the exceptional work that Robert Sparks Attorney has done for me and my case. Garrett Riley handled my case. I really appreciate how communicative and persistent he was.”- Alexis M.
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“The communication with him and his team is fantastic, and you really feel they are with you every step of the way with your case. He is very caring and understanding, and takes initiative and leads the charge with moving your case along.”- Mary A.
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“My cases both had successful outcomes and I am certain that this as a result of his knowledge and work ethic. His attention was primarily focused on my health and well being prior to anything else.”- Melissa E.
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“Although, I have to put a special highlight on Cheryl! She is one of the sweetest and most compassionate people I know. She truly cares about their clients as if they were friends and had know each other for years.”- Nicole S.
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“It was non-stop communication with both Rob and Cheryl. The road was long but this team is adamant and steadfast on their mission and dedication to each client.”- Michelle N.
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“Rob, thank you so much for helping with all of this and know that I hold you and your staff in the highest professional esteem. No matter what was thrown at us, you had an answer that countered.”- Former Client
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“Our family cannot begin to express appreciation for the legal expertise provided by attorney Robert Sparks and his team at Robert Sparks Attorneys!”- Former Client
