Tampa Paternity Attorney

Paternity Attorney Also Serving Clearwater

When a child is born during a marriage, the child is assumed to be the legal and natural child of the husband and wife, and all rights that go along with being a parent are bestowed upon both parties. This is not the case when a child is born to a mother and father who are not legally married. The child is not automatically assumed to be the legal son or daughter of the father, and any rights that would be given to a father are not automatically extended in these circumstances. For example, custody, visitation and support are not legally required to be taken from or given to the father of the child if he is not legally recognized as such.

It is extremely important to establish paternity if there is a dispute over custody, visitation or child support. The purpose of a paternity case is to determine who is the legal father of the child or children in question. Without this determination, the court cannot issue any type of order regarding the father’s rights or responsibilities.

Paternity Lawyer Also Serving St. Petersburg

If you anticipate paternity issues with your child or children, it is very important to speak with a Tampa paternity attorney at Givens Divorce Law Group. Whether you are the mother or the father, it is important to file a Petition for Paternity immediately to begin the process of establishing the legal father of the child. The court can order DNA or blood tests to determine the paternity of the child. Only after the man is proven or disproven to be the father can the court then proceed with such issues as custody and child support.

If you have questions about your child’s paternity or if you want to file a Petition for Paternity, an experienced lawyer at our law offices can help you through the process. An attorney who has an intimate knowledge with the procedure and the Florida legal system can greatly expedite your case for you. We understand that your children’s well-being is extremely important, and we will work with you to uphold your family’s rights no matter what your paternity issue may be.

Contact a Tampa paternity lawyer at Givens Divorce Law Group to discuss your legal paternity issue.