Mistaken Paternity: Avoiding The Issue

The process of establishing paternity can take many twists and turns. If you have always believed you are the biological father of a child, only to later discover you aren’t, it can be extremely difficult. If you face similar circumstances, experienced family law and paternity lawyers in Fort Lauderdale can help answer your questions.

I don’t care what the DNA test said

While some men wish to avoid paternity at all cost — to them, a negative DNA test means freedom from an unwanted responsibility — other men know the child is not biologically theirs, and it makes no difference because they have bonded with the child and really desire a paternal relationship. This happens most frequently when the actual paternity is not determined for some time after the child is born. The non-biological father may wish to adopt the child or arrange a parenting plan, to avoid impairing the child’s physical health and emotional well-being.

If you are not married to the child’s mother, the matter becomes more complicated if the court terminates your child support obligations when the DNA test comes back negative. Now, the mother may see no advantage to having you involved with her child. This is the time to bring in an experienced Fort Lauderdale legal paternity attorney. The court may order a parenting plan that includes the non-biological father.

Schedule an appointment with experienced paternity lawyers

Proving or disproving paternity is a matter of the law and medical evidence. Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices LLC has counseled Fort Lauderdale parents and non-parents for 15 years. Contact our Fort Lauderdale office today at 954.687.9143 or online.