Paternity Actions

Establishing the paternity of a child is one of the best things that a parent can do. Acknowledging the biological father will benefit all members of the family, and in Florida there are multiple legal methods possible to determine the legal father of a child. At the Soto Law Office in Altamonte Springs, our experienced family law attorneys are prepared to assist you in your paternity action. To learn more, call or contact our office today.

Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity

If unmarried parents agree on the paternity of a child, they can complete a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity form. This form is not necessary if a heterosexual couple is married when the child is born, as the child’s father is automatically presumed to be the husband. This form can be filled out at the hospital after the birth or later, but it must be filled with the proper state departments in order to be official, and an experienced lawyer can assist with this process.

Court-Ordered Genetic Testing

If the parents do not agree on the paternity of the child, the parent wishing to establish paternity should file an action in their local court. The judge can order genetic testing for the child and presumptive father in order to determine whether he is the biological father of the child. This test is typically done with a cheek swab of both parties, which is then sent to a laboratory for testing. This process typically takes a few weeks to complete.

Benefits of Paternity Actions

There are many benefits to using a paternity action to determine the biological father of a child. The mother can get financial assistance from the father through child support payments, and the father benefits from the opportunity to file for custody or visitation with their child. The child benefits from the ability to create relationships with both parents as well as potential access to medical histories, health insurance, inheritance rights, and more. To learn more about paternity actions, talk to our office today.

Talk to Our Office Now

Whether you need assistance with the completing of a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity or with an action in court for genetic testing, the Soto Law Office can provide top-tier legal counsel for your Florida paternity action. To learn more about your legal options with a paternity action, call or contact our office today to schedule a consultation.