St. Augustine Paternity Lawyer

Guiding You Through Paternity Matters in Florida with Precision and Care

Paternity matters significantly in family law, impacting parental rights, responsibilities, and a child’s future. For residents of St. Augustine navigating these complex issues, Owenby Law, P.A. offers dedicated legal support to ensure that paternity is addressed appropriately and effectively. Our firm is committed to guiding clients through the legal processes of establishing or challenging paternity, ensuring that the child's and parent's best interests are protected.

Call Owenby Law, P.A. today at (904) 770-3141 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our paternity attorney in St. Augustine!

What is Paternity? 

Paternity legally establishes a man as a child’s father, granting him rights and responsibilities associated with parenthood. These include custody, visitation, and child support obligations, as well as legal rights for the child, such as inheritance and access to medical benefits.

In Florida, paternity can be established through a few different methods:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment: Parents may sign a legal form declaring the man as the father, typically done at the hospital or later filed with the Florida Department of Health. This method is straightforward but requires both parents' agreement.
• Court Order: If there is uncertainty or dispute about paternity, a court can be asked to decide. This process involves filing a paternity action and presenting evidence to the court.
• DNA Testing: If paternity is contested, a court may order genetic testing to confirm biological fatherhood. The results from DNA tests provide clear evidence to resolve paternity disputes.

Understanding these options helps make informed decisions about how paternity will be legally recognized and the following implications.

Establishing Paternity in Florida

In Florida, paternity can be established through various legal avenues:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment: This process involves both parents signing a form acknowledging the man as the father. This form is usually completed shortly after the child's birth and filed with the appropriate state agency, providing immediate legal recognition of paternity.
• Court Order: If there is a paternity dispute or the father does not voluntarily acknowledge paternity, the matter may need to be resolved through the court system. Either parent or the state can initiate a paternity action, and the court will decide based on the evidence presented.
• DNA Testing: If paternity is contested, DNA testing can provide conclusive evidence. A court may order genetic testing to determine whether the man is the biological father of the child. The results are used to make a legal determination of paternity.

Establishing paternity legally secures the father's rights and responsibilities and ensures that the child benefits from all legal entitlements associated with having two parents.

How Long Does a Father Have to Establish Paternity?

In Florida, the timeline for establishing paternity can vary depending on the method used and the case's specific circumstances. Generally:

• Voluntary Acknowledgment: Acknowledgment forms can be signed anytime but are typically completed shortly after the child’s birth. Once signed and filed, the acknowledgment is effective immediately.
• Court Proceedings: If paternity is established through the courts, it must be initiated within a reasonable time frame after the child’s birth. There is no specific statute of limitations for filing a paternity action in Florida. Still, it is advisable to address paternity issues as soon as possible to ensure that parental rights and responsibilities are clearly defined.
• DNA Testing: If DNA testing is required, it should be conducted as soon as possible to avoid delays in the legal process. Once the test results are available, they will be used in the court proceedings to establish or contest paternity.

It’s essential to address paternity issues promptly to ensure that all legal rights and responsibilities are appropriately assigned and that the child’s needs are met.

Contact Our St. Augustine Paternity Attorney Today

Establishing paternity is a crucial step in ensuring that a child's legal and familial rights are recognized and protected. Owenby Law, P.A. provides comprehensive legal services for those navigating the complexities of paternity in St. Augustine. Whether you seek to establish, contest, or formalize paternity, our firm offers the expertise and support to achieve a fair and legally sound resolution. For assistance with paternity matters, contact Owenby Law, P.A., to discuss how we can help with your situation.

Contact Owenby Law, P.A. today to schedule a meeting with our paternity lawyer in St. Augustine!