Establishing Paternity in Fort Myers, FL
Legal Help from Our Fort Myers Paternity Lawyer
When a man suspects that he may be a parent, he will want to quickly establish paternity. Paternity is normally determined through a series of tests that can prove whether or not the baby is related to the alleged father. Whether you are a mother who wants to prove the identity of your baby's father or you are a father who wants to be involved in your child's life, establishing paternity can be a valuable tool.
Process of Establishing Paternity
To start, you need to establish a paternity action. These are filed in the courts in order to assist a parent in acknowledging and protecting important rights. Normally, if a man can prove that he is a child's father, he will be permitted to visit the child, possibly have custody of the child, or support the child. Men are not the only ones who can file paternity actions.
Women who are pregnant or have had a child can file their own paternity actions seeking proof that a particular man is the father of their child. Also, any child can bring proceedings to determine paternity if he or she suspects a man of being the father. Once paternity is established, the court has the right to determine custody, payment of child support, payment of attorney's fees and costs of bringing action.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
For a mother, the benefits of establishing paternity are:
- Allowing the child to have a functional relationship with his or her father
- Child support from the father to care for the child
- Assistance from the father in caring for the child
- Imposition of legal rights and responsibilities to the father
For a father, the benefits of establishing paternity are:
- A continuing relationship with the child
- Protection of father's rights
- Permission to visit the child
- The potential privilege of child custody
- The child can be included in the father's wills, trusts, and other estate planning materials
How Your Advocates Can Help
If you need more information, or if you want to establish a paternity order, talk with our firm. We are familiar with dealing with paternity actions in the court, and we understand how to best help you out with your case. Our family law attorney will take care of all the legal details for establishing paternity and we will then help you enforce your rights as a parent if the paternity test is positive.
Call now to learn more! ¡El abogado habla español!
Meet Your Guides
With You Every Step of The Way
Hear From Our Happy Clients
Reviews & Testimonials
At Your Advocates, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
-
"Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did."
Ms. Jackman just wanted to say what a GREAT JOB you did. Thanks for making a nervous process easier to handle!! Take care!
- Mark Z. -
"They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional."
They were very efficient, pleasant, and professional. Based on this very positive experience, we would recommend this company, and would not hesitate to use them again in the future.
- Former Client -
"The firm surely does stand by its name as Your Advocates!"
He was extremely professional throughout the journey and very experienced in this matter. I would recommend this firm to anybody in an uncontested eviction, contested eviction or any legal needs. The professionalism and value I received was a pleasant surp
- Terry A. -
"Highly Recommended!"
I worked with Rita Jackman, she is very much respectful, she breaks down all the details, and cares about her clients‼️ ...
- Rittney O. -
"I’ll definitely be sending family and friends your way."
Rita Jackman is my attorney and I can’t recommend her enough! She’s been truly amazing through a difficult time. She always ...
- Jordan H. -
"There was never a day that one of them didn't respond by phone or email to our questions or concerns."
Rita Jackman was incredible working with us on my daughter's injury case and negotiating on her behalf. Thank you Noelle for ...
- Brad M. -
"I will not hesitate to recommend them and I will be calling them the next time I need any help."
Noel took great care of us! She was very helpful, professional, on point and an absolute pleasure to have on our side ...
- Joseph B. -
"Diana's experience, professionalism, and dedication resulted in a most favorable outcome of my case and her negotiation skills proved it."
I had the pleasure of working with Diana Castrillon on my workers' compensation case and the least I can say is that she is ...
- Alberto S.