Why Establishing Paternity in Fort Lauderdale Is So Important
For unmarried parents in Fort Lauderdale, establishing paternity is one of the first steps to take after a child is born. Paternity legally recognizes a child’s biological father, giving both them and their child important rights and protections. Without a formal acknowledgment of paternity, a father has no legal right to custody or visitation, and the child may miss out on vital financial and emotional support.
If you are a father looking to secure your parental rights or a mother concerned about issues related to child support and time-sharing, establishing paternity in Broward County is a crucial first step. Our Fort Lauderdale paternity lawyer explains why it matters and the process involved.
The Legal and Emotional Benefits of Establishing Paternity In Fort Lauderdale
When a child is born to unmarried parents in Fort Lauderdale, the father does not automatically have legal rights. Paternity must be formally established through the Broward County Family Court. Doing so benefits both the father and the child in several ways:
- Parental Rights: Establishing paternity gives fathers the right to see their children and be included as part of time-sharing arrangements.
- Emotional Connection: Legal recognition reinforces the father-child bond and helps promote a secure and supportive relationship.
- Health and Insurance Benefits: A legally recognized father can include their child on health insurance and provide access to medical history that may be important for the child’s well-being.
- Inheritance and Social Security: Establishing paternity in Fort Lauderdale gives the child legal rights to inheritance and Social Security benefits or veterans’ benefits they are entitled to via the father.
When paternity is not legally established, the father has no rights to see his child, and the child loses out on vital financial and emotional support.
How to Establish Paternity in Broward County
Under the Florida Statutes, there are several ways for unmarried parents to legally establish paternity in Fort Lauderdale, depending on the specific circumstances involved:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment: This requires that both parents sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity. This can be done at the hospital or later through the Florida Department of Health and legally names the father without requiring a court order.
- Court-Ordered Paternity: In disputed cases, a parent may file a Petition to Determine Paternity through the Broward County Court and request a judge order DNA testing.
- Administrative Paternity Order: The Florida Department of Revenue can assist in establishing paternity, often as part of a child support case.
To Protect Your Rights and Your Child’s Future, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Paternity Lawyer Today
Establishing paternity in Florida is an important first step for unmarried parents and serves to protect their rights and their children. Whether you are a father looking to be included in child time-sharing or a mother seeking child support and legal clarity, our experienced Fort Lauderdale family lawyer is here to help. Vanessa L. Prieto can explain your options and take the legal actions needed to protect you and your family. Call or contact our office online today to schedule a consultation.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0742/Sections/0742.10.html
floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/paternity.aspx#:~:text=If%20the%20mother%20is%20married,must%20be%20addressed%20in%20court.
flcourts.gov/content/download/686003/file_pdf/983a.pdf
