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!
Our Clients Are an Extension of Our Family
Read the Opinions That Matter Most
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"Helped me to settle my case."All around awesome attorney. Answered all of my questions and helped me to settle my case.- A Satisfied Client
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"I love this law firm."Thanks to this law firm I walked out of court today with zero child support wish I thought I had to pay at least $250 or more and zero for the $5,640 that my ex-wife asked for, even when I told my ex that I could give her $2,500 (that happen in mediation) but she decided to take me to court and fight for every penny but what she didn't know was, that I will go with the BEST ATTORNEY IN TOWN and I will have to pay nothing for all she asked for. COURT ORDER ZERO CHILD SUPPORT, ZERO FOR THE $5,640 AND ONLY 25% FOR MEDICAL EXPENSES! Mrs. Hamilton deserves every penny I paid! By the way, I had to fire my ex-lawyer. It wasn't good so I can tell which lawyer is good and not!!! I love this law firm. Thanks Danielle, Susan and attorney Hamilton- Jean Carlo V.
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"She has been a constant safe haven for me."I am truly grateful to Paulette for how she has been a constant safe haven for me. She came in and cleaned up the mess my divorce attorney left behind. Not only is she the best in the business, she really cares about her clients.- Quanda
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"Knowledge, honesty, courage, and passion."I have had several lawyers in the past regarding my custody case. Those lawyers lacked the following: knowledge, honesty, courage, and passion regarding my matter. After my experience with previous attorneys, I needed someone who was not going to talk over my head or beat around the bush. I was referred to Ms. Hamilton by a friend that was very satisfied with her legal services. I was very impressed with Ms. Hamilton after my consultation. She was very informative and straight to the point with me. She hit on all the pros and cons for myself and the opposing party. There are no guarantees in life, so I fully appreciate an attorney who keeps it 100% real with me. Ms. Hamilton gave me an outline for my case and the projected costs as well as a timeframe for such a case. There is no such thing as cheap legal services if the services are cheap then the work will be shoddy. I have had that problem in the past and I am no longer going to forego a couple of bucks if it means ruining my case. Ms. Hamilton has reasonable rates with a very professional legal approach. Since Ms. Hamilton has been on my case, she has corrected several errors that my previous attorneys made in the case. My case is going smoothly and we are hoping to be able to work towards an agreement soon! Ms. Hamilton has made that possible in my case. I know how to be a good client, but I am glad that I have someone that knows how to be a good attorney. Thank you Ms. Hamilton!!! If you need an attorney that is straightforward and committed to a resolution then Ms. Hamilton is the attorney for you.- L.B.
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"I definitely recommend this practice with high regard and without hesitation."Takes the time out in her busy schedule to help her clients no matter how big or small the issue, Paulette is prompt, professional and attentive to her client needs. I am not only pleased by her responsiveness but her care in handling each individual situation personally. She continues to impress me by providing a solution to every situation I run across her. I definitely recommend this practice with high regard and without hesitation. Thank you for all you have done.- Dr. B
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"Attorney Hamilton is very rational and caring at the same time."Attorney Hamilton provided me with professional, personalized, caring services and was there for me throughout the complexity of my case, which resulted in agreed-upon resolutions. I had the services of 2 other attorneys prior to obtaining the services of Attorney Hamilton. One Attorney for the original dissolution of my 30-year marriage, and another attorney to assist me with the court proceeding for the breaches to the terms of the marriage settlement agreement. Needless to say after 5 years, at times, it almost felt hopeless, until, I obtained the skilled, experienced, professional services of Attorney Hamilton. She was always supportive, focused and again I want to say professional as she represented me throughout this process. Attorney Hamilton is very rational and caring at the same time. What I have learned through this experience is that when it comes complex breaches in interpersonal relationships, no matter how knowledgeable you might think you are; the LAW is the only thing that matters, when it comes to the Family Law System. Attorney Hamilton knows the laws and when she enters a court of law on your behalf; the court system recognizes her knowledge of legal protocol on multiple levels. Attorney Hamilton is the best of the best. I'm forever thankful for her service- Breda
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"A fantastic, one-of-a-kind family law attorney."Paulette is an amazing and devoted family law attorney. Her unparalleled dedication to each of her cases exemplifies her accomplishments in the courtroom. I have referred many potential clients to Paulette, and each one has returned to me with positive accolades and expressed her compassion towards their individual cases, yet take-control strength in her legal representation. I definitely recommend Paulette Hamilton as a fantastic, one-of-a-kind family law attorney.- Reynolds
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"Highly recommend!!"Highly recommend!! Very professional and Helpful! Divorces are never easy and dealing with attorneys can sometimes be stressful, but Paulette was very hospitable and made the process smooth and easy!- Shawn F.
