Orlando Paternity Lawyers
Navigating Paternity Challenges in Florida
If you are an unmarried mother or father needing to establish or refute paternity, you must go through a legal process. For mothers, paternity can be an important issue in obtaining child support. Unmarried fathers may wish to establish paternity to be able to play a major part in the child's life through parental responsibility and timesharing. Other unmarried fathers who believe the child is not theirs may need to fight child support by refuting paternity. The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. can help no matter what side of the issue you are on.
Call The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. today at (407) 624-5344 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our paternity attorneys in Orlando!
What is Paternity?
Paternity stands as a legal concept encompassing the official acknowledgment of fatherhood. The significance of establishing paternity spans various aspects, including securing parental rights and responsibilities and determining child support and visitation arrangements. The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. team is attuned to the delicate nature of paternity cases and is poised to offer the necessary legal support.
Establishing Paternity in Florida
Initiating paternity cases in Florida typically takes place in the circuit court, contingent upon the mother or father's residence. The establishment of paternity hinges on genetic testing, a process the court facilitates. Following the confirmation of paternity, the court may issue a range of significant directives, including child support orders, parenting time (referred to as timesharing) for the father, and parental responsibility orders, granting the father legal decision-making authority regarding the child's healthcare, education, religious upbringing, and other crucial aspects of the child's welfare. Additionally, the court may mandate the father to cover court costs and attorney fees if deemed applicable.
At The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A., we are well-versed in guiding clients through the multifaceted processes of establishing paternity by Florida law. Clients have several avenues to pursue:
- Voluntary Acknowledgment: This straightforward method involves parents signing a legally binding document called the "Paternity Acknowledgment." This can occur at the hospital or later at the local health department, solidifying the father's legal status through a voluntary agreement.
- Court Order: In cases where disputes or challenges to paternity arise, the court may intervene. Either parent has the option to file a paternity action in court, leading to the establishment of legal fatherhood. The court may order DNA testing to confirm biological parentage, and The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. boasts extensive experience in presenting compelling court cases to safeguard our clients' rights.
- Administrative Order: The Florida Department of Revenue's Child Support Program serves as another avenue for the administrative establishment of paternity. Typically initiated when one parent applies for child support services, this process involves navigating administrative procedures, a task efficiently handled by our legal team to protect your interests.
How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity?
Timing is a critical factor in paternity cases, and fathers should be aware of the timeframe within which they can establish legal paternity in Florida.
In the state of Florida, there is no specific time limit for establishing paternity. However, it is advisable to address paternity matters as soon as possible to avoid complications and ensure a smooth process. The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. encourages fathers to assert their parental rights promptly.
Delaying the establishment of paternity can lead to challenges in securing visitation rights, making important decisions for the child, and receiving or providing child support. By acting swiftly, fathers can strengthen their position in the legal process and actively participate in their child's life from the outset.
Contact Our Orlando Paternity Attorneys Today
In the realm of paternity law, The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. stands as your trusted ally, dedicated to protecting your rights and facilitating the legal processes involved in establishing paternity. Our experienced team understands the complexities and sensitivities of paternity cases and is committed to providing you with the legal support you need.
Contact The Law Office of Paulette Hamilton, P.A. today to schedule a meeting with our paternity lawyers in Orlando!
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Read the Opinions That Matter Most
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"They make people feel comfortable, they don't judge."First I wanna say thank you to God for being the leader in my case. Since the first day I called to have information, the receptionist had helped me professionally. On the same day, I went there for a consultation, I liked it and would most definitely refer or advise others to go there, too. They make people feel comfortable, they don't judge, very kind, good, and awesome people. They also comfort people when they're down. The good news is you can call anytime if you have any questions. My experience with them so far has been a perfect and unexpected result. They fight for your rights. Go check them out, they always are ready to hear you with no rush. Thank you again, guys, thank you for everything so far because I have no regrets. The receptionist is awesome.- Stanley M.
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"Very upfront with me about what I needed to do to help my case."I hired Ms. Hamilton to help me with a custody case with my ex. She took my case and was very upfront with me about what I needed to do to help my case. She also took time to explain the law to me and helped me decide to settle my case without going to court. I would recommend her to anyone who is in need of a custody attorney.- Rochelle
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"Thank you so much for your professionalism"Angela worked with me and prepared smoothly everything for my divorce. She was very responsive and always ready to answer my questions. Thank you so much for your professionalism.- Taha E.
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"If you need a fantastic attorney she's one in a million."Paulette and staff are the ABSOLUTE BEST! She is incredibly professional and knowledgeable. She explained how everything would work and the fees involved. She stuck to exactly what she explained. The process was seamless. If you need a fantastic attorney she's one in a million. Thank you Paulette for everything!- Osprey
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"They’re a very professional firm & worked endlessly for the best outcome."Ms. Hamilton has done a great job for me and advocating for me when I felt otherwise unheard. She and her team took their time with me and in answering any questions throughout this process. They’re a very professional firm & worked endlessly for the best outcome. This has been a difficult time but Ms. Hamilton and her staff helped immensely. Thank you, definitely recommend!- Andatrius B.
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"It felt like a burden had lifted."Attorney Hamilton was phenomenal from beginning to the end. I didn't think the outcome of my case would be positive at all. My friend referred me to Attorney Hamilton, and I'm so glad he did. During the consultation, Attorney Hamilton made me feel at ease regarding my case, it felt like a burden had lifted. As time went on I was 100% sure that attorney Hamilton was the working hard to win my case and that is exactly what she did, she won my case. Her professionalism was dynamic I will be forever grateful for her services.- Karl
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"I really appreciate their dedication to my case."Ms. Hamilton and her team are very down to earth and friendly. I felt comfortable speaking to her and my paralegal Danielle. Ms. Hamilton stayed on top of my situation and I really appreciate their dedication to my case.- Juv J.
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"My experience working with this office on my case was flawless."Attorney Paulette Hamilton and her office staff are absolutely amazing! My experience working with this office on my case was flawless. They made a very difficult situation and process less painful to work through and for that, I am extremely thankful. I would definitely recommend Attorney Paulette Hamilton to anyone in need of legal services.- DeShaunda B.
