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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"A passionate, level headed and reasonable attorney"I have been working with this Paulette for 2 years on a very difficult custody case. My experience in working with Paulette has been excellent. Although nothing ever moves quickly when it comes to family law, she has done her best to not only move the case along but also has been fighting hard for my son. I cannot tell you how beneficial it is to have a passionate, level headed and reasonable attorney working on your side, and that's what I get with Paulette. Would definitely recommend her to anyone who needs representation on a family law case.- Miguel S.
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"Thank you Paulette, Angela and Susan."From the moment I first called in and spoke with the office manager, Susan, I knew then my case mattered - before even spending a dime. Paulette handled my consultation with care and knowledge. She did not make me feel rushed and assured me that my worries about the cost to fight was not as important as hearing my story. That helped me feel less pressure and focus on the matter at hand. I have had multiple free consultations, which are always rushed and never informative. Paulette did the complete opposite, we even laughed a little to help lighten the mood. My case was then assigned to my paralegal Angela, who I swear appeared very knowledgeable about the rules and procedures of my situation. She spent her time with me answering my questions, reassuring me and reminding me that this office is a team and I will never feel alone. Along the process we laughed together, cried together, and even celebrated - COVID style of course. Watching Paulette fight for me at trial meant so much. I felt extremely prepared and ready to hit head on. I appreciate how thorough Paulette and Angela were during this whole process. Honest and always kept me on track. While I don't plan to marry just to divorce again, I know if the time comes I have a confident legal team to back me up. You will regret not having contacted this law office. Thank you Paulette, Angela and Susan.”- Kym B.
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"The law office Paul Hamilton has done a wonderful job"The law office Paul Hamilton has done a wonderful job on my case very professionally and I would strongly recommend this law firm to anybody who's looking for the best representation , divorce has always been a headache but attorney Hamilton makes this process very and well advised me. Thank you- Spinser J.
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"I will never forget how kind she was during such a low time in my life."Mrs. Hamilton is very compassionate. She helped me and my husband file bankruptcy and I will never forget how kind she was during such a low time in my life. She took the time to explain the entire process to me and my husband and helped us get through our bankruptcy. She is very knowledgeable and I would recommend her to anyone considering bankruptcy.- A Satisfied Client
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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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"she truly is a shining example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Goodness."Paulette Hamilton, Esquire, is exclusively a 5-star attorney. She and her staff are helpful, patient, caring and empathetic to the human conditions of need, pain, stress, and burden.
Since meeting and entrusting her, my life has turned drastically in the right direction. Without her diligence and advisement, I would still be exactly in the spot I was in four short months ago.
Although I entered myself into a financial crisis, in both controllable and uncontrollable ways, she helped me right myself and educated me to exact my focus and energy on being a financially solvent consumer-citizen. I cannot thank her enough for that blessing; she truly is a shining example of what it means to be the hands and feet of Goodness.- Steven M. -
"The staff at the Law Firm of Attorney Hamilton were absolutely phenomenal."As you know looking for an attorney and sitting down with one sometimes can be very uncomfortable, and for the very first time, it could be very overwhelming. I can honestly say that the staff that works at the Law Firm of Attorney Hamilton were absolutely phenomenal. They were very attentive to my needs they were very warm and welcoming. And the overall knowledge and support that I received from Attorney Hamilton have made me a client for life.- Jai B.
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"I always felt like I had someone with me in the process and that I was not alone."I am very grateful for Attorney Hamilton, Danielle and the entire team for helping me through tough times. They helped me get sole custody of my son, it was a long road, but the end result was worth it and they were with me every step of the way. They helped me understand the court system, explained any delays in the Court process and always answered my questions. I always felt like I had someone with me in the process and that I was not alone. They were always available when I would stop by and would take the time to listen and answer any questions. I would highly recommend Attorney Hamilton and her staff to anyone who needs assistance in family law.- Gerd W.
