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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"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. -
"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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"Great experience with the law Firm."I had a great experience with the law Firm. They are professional and responded to my emails timely. I was very impressed that she was ready and willing to take my case to trial. I consider this law firm the best in Orlando from my experience.- livens D.
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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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"I couldn't be happier with the results."Ms. Hamilton represented me on a personal injury lawsuit. While representing me, Ms. Hamilton and her staff were extremely kind and passionate about my case. Ms. Hamilton went above and beyond while working on my case and I couldn't be happier with the results.- Winnie D.
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"Thank you for all your help."Outstanding service. The staff is amazing. I personally give The Law Office Of Paulette Hamilton 5 stars and I also want to say that Karl Young is AMAZING!!!!! Thank you for all your help. I also give Karl 5 stars.- Jennifer D.
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"I am very happy with my choice."Very professional and upfront about my case. She prepared me for my bankruptcy meeting and I was in and out in no time at all. Her staff is very friendly and helpful too. I met with 2 other attorneys before choosing her and I am very happy with my choice. She made herself available and she wanted to make sure I had a complete understanding of the process.- A Satisfied Client
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"Friendly, helpful, and very quick to respond to our immediate needs."Great experience using Ms. Hamilton's firm. Would utilize her again if needed. Friendly, helpful, and very quick to respond to our immediate needs.- Jeff W.
