Miami Paternity Lawyers
Establishing Paternity for Fathers in Miami-Dade County
The establishment of paternity is important for many reasons. Without the establishment of paternity, a father’s rights may be seriously limited. Moreover, it may be necessary to establish child support and other financial obligations. It can help ensure that both parents are properly named on a child’s birth certificate. It can help the child establish their inheritance rights. However, paternity is not always a straightforward matter, and when you need help establishing paternity, working with an experienced lawyer may be beneficial. Effective July 1, 2023, there have been statutory changes to Father’s rights in paternity proceedings.
Leinoff & Lemos is an established family law and divorce law firm with over 30 years of experience helping clients with paternity matters in Miami. We understand that establishing paternity can be a complex and emotional issue. We are committed to providing our clients with the personalized attention and support they need to navigate the legal process confidently and discreetly.
Are you struggling with a difficult paternity matter? Call Leinoff & Lemos today at (305) 222-7442 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our paternity attorneys in Miami.
Steps to Establish Paternity in Florida
Paternity is the legal relationship between a father and his child. In Florida, a father is presumed to be the legal father of his child if he is married to the child's mother at the time of the child's birth. However, if the father is not married to the child's mother, the issues may require further legal action to establish a father’s parental rights and responsibilities.
The benefits of establishing paternity include:
- The right to custody/time-sharing, and joint decision-making
- The right to child support
- The right to make important decisions about the child's upbringing
- The right to the father’s name on the child’s birth certificate
If you are dealing with disputed paternity, the first step to establishing paternity through a court order may be to file a civil action in circuit court. If a genetic test is requested, the judge may order one or both parents to pay for the test and any other court costs associated with the case.
How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity in Florida?
In the state of Florida, fathers can seek paternity starting at birth, but the statute of limitations for establishing paternity is when the child turns 22 years old, which is four years after the child in question gets to the age of majority, which in Florida is 18 years old. If you are seeking to establish paternity, do not hesitate to contact us at Leinoff & Lemos.
Do I Need An Attorney For a Paternity Dispute?
If you find yourself dealing with a paternity dispute, it is crucial that you work with an attorney. There is a multitude of risks associated with not accurately establishing paternity, and failing to do so could have serious, irreversible consequences down the road for both you and your family.
Advantages of Choosing Leinoff & Lemos for Your Paternity Case
Three of our partners are Board-Certified in Marital and Family Law, and two are fellows in the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and the International Academy of Family Lawyers (IAFL). This means we have a deep understanding of the legal issues involved in paternity cases and years of experience handling delicate paternity matters, and we are able to provide you with the best possible advice and representation.
Other benefits of working with one of our attorneys when dealing with a paternity dispute include:
- We can help you understand your rights and options. The law surrounding paternity is complex, and it can be difficult to know what your rights and options are.
- We are prepared to represent you in court. We have the skills and resources to help you prepare for trial and can present your case clearly and persuasively to the judge.
- We may be able to help you negotiate a settlement. In many cases, paternity disputes can be resolved through negotiation. Negotiating a settlement can help keep your case out of court and as private as possible.
Understanding Your Rights as a Father in Miami
Establishing paternity is an important step for fathers to secure their parental rights and responsibilities. Our Miami paternity lawyers are dedicated to helping fathers navigate the legal process and understand their rights under Florida law.
Some key rights that come with establishing paternity include:
- Legal recognition as the child's father
- Access to visitation and custody arrangements
- The ability to make important decisions regarding the child's upbringing
- The opportunity to develop a meaningful relationship with your child
Our experienced attorneys can provide guidance and representation to ensure that your rights as a father are protected throughout the paternity establishment process. today to learn more about how we can help you assert your parental rights in Miami-Dade County.
Get in Touch with Our Miami Paternity Attorneys Today
If you are looking for a Miami paternity lawyer, schedule a consultation with Leinoff & Lemos. Our firm has been a trusted name in family law for over thirty years, and we pride ourselves on providing exceptional client service. We offer both in-person and virtual consultations for your convenience.
Contact Leinoff & Lemos today to get started with our Miami paternity lawyer.
