Paternity
Establishing parentage with care and accuracy.
Miami paternity attorney for parentage and fathers' rights
At the Law Office of Stephanie Granda and Associates, PA, we focus on helping everyone engaged in the paternity process, with great sensitivity and care. It is important during the process both to protect the rights of the father, as well as to ensure that his parental responsibilities are met.
From our Miami office, we guide parents through Florida paternity procedure while keeping time sharing, support, and the child's needs in view.
Florida paternity process objectives
In the State of Florida, the following people may bring paternity proceedings:
- A man with reason to believe he is the father of a child;
- A woman pregnant or with a child;
- Any child.
The entire point of going through paternity proceedings is to confirm the identity of the father and to make sure that his legal obligations are met. This is needed if identity and responsibility have not been established by any other means.
What to expect during a Miami paternity case
Where the paternity proceedings will be held depends upon the county in which the child resides. Prior to establishing a paternity petition, it is important to include sufficient facts. The receiving party is then served with proper notice, followed by a mandatory discovery phase, prior to commencing mediation.
If mediation does not result in a settlement, then a trial date will be scheduled. Other discovery prior to appearing before the Court will be possible if both parties agree.
Paternity is ultimately proven through DNA testing. Legal paternity rights will be established, once paternity has been proven, by a court order. Typically this follows DNA testing, although in some cases the parties may enter into a paternity agreement and rights will be established without a DNA test.
Parent rights and responsibilities after paternity is established
Once paternity has been established, there are numerous rights and responsibilities that may be addressed. These include time sharing, shared parental responsibility, and payment for certain expenses including health insurance, tutoring and extracurricular activities.
Determination of Paternity Proceedings; Jurisdiction
Any woman who is pregnant or has a child, any man who has reason to believe that he is the father of a child, or any child may bring proceedings in the circuit court, in chancery, to determine the paternity of the child when paternity has not been established by law or otherwise.
For more details, read Title XLXII, Ch. 742, §742.011.
Modification or Enforcement of Existing Paternity Orders
For any non-compliance of court orders and/or agreements, our office can assist you in enforcement of that order by seeking court intervention. You may also be entitled to modify an existing order and/or agreement if substantial changes have occurred. Contact our office for a free consultation on how we can legally proceed.
Why work with a Miami paternity lawyer
If you think you have a paternity case, it is important to work with an experienced Miami Paternity Attorney. A paternity case may be used to protect the rights of the father, mother or child. Should you find yourself involved in a paternity case, please contact our caring, experienced group of partners today so we can strategize how we can best help you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Who may bring a paternity proceeding in Florida?
A pregnant woman or a woman who has a child, a man who has reason to believe he is the child's father, or the child may bring a proceeding to determine paternity when it has not already been legally established.
How is paternity established in Florida?
Paternity is commonly established through DNA testing followed by a court order. In some cases, the parties may enter into a paternity agreement and establish legal rights without a DNA test.
What rights and responsibilities can a paternity case address?
After paternity is established, a case may address time sharing, shared parental responsibility, and responsibility for expenses such as health insurance, tutoring, and extracurricular activities.
These answers provide general information and are not legal advice. The appropriate approach depends on the facts of each matter.
Speak with a Miami paternity attorney
Our Miami family law office helps parents navigate Florida paternity proceedings and the related questions of time sharing, responsibility, support, and fathers' rights.
Miami office: 8900 SW 117th Ave, Suite C-208, Miami, FL 33186.