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.
- Legal Action for Paternity: 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 Paternity Orders: 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.
Secure Your Parental Rights: Contact Us in Orlando
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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"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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"Open and honest from the beginning."I have searched for attorneys left and right. I have received both good and bad advice from what I believe to be people just after money. The moment I spoke with Paulette and her team, I knew that I had found a fighter. A firm who would fight for my families rights. Paulette is passionate about the work she does, she listens and never makes you feel rushed. She is open and honest from the beginning. One thing I truly appreciate about her, is the honesty. Even if it is something I believe I needed, or wanted, she would remind me of what truly was a need. Her paralegal Angela is just as much as a fighter. I never felt alone, even on holidays I would receive responses. I am forever grateful for Paulette and Angela and would highly recommend them to anyone who feels or has felt lost. The law is on your side when you have the right people there to back you up.- Maria C.
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"They take the time to explain every situation and potential outcomes."Mrs. Paulette Hamilton and her Team are the BEST! They are considerate of your situation and take the time to explain every situation and potential outcomes. While Paulette is not available, her staff works diligently to resolve any issues and responds immediately to any situation. I highly recommend Mrs. Hamilton and her team for your services!- Clarence M.
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"I would strongly recommend all my friends to your service!"It was great to work a professional law firm, with integrity and commitment. You guys did a great job on my case and I would strongly recommend all my friends to your service!- Jahnathan E.
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"The true concern that Ms. Paulette and Ms. Susan express is phenomenal."Ms. Paulette and her staff by far is the best law team anyone can hire. I am from Hawaii and my ex-wife is in Orlando. After over a year of trying to settle the divorce like grown adults, I was forced to hire a lawyer that I can trust. A team that was willing to work with me despite the distance and time difference. I must admit within a couple of minutes of talking to Ms. Paulette I decided she would be the lawyer with integrity and concern and is willing to help me in the circumstances. My divorce was not as easy as we both would have hoped for it to be but her outstanding representation made it so that I didn't have to fly to Florida for any mediation or hearings. The true concern that she and Ms. Susan express is phenomenal. I am thankful to have found her and you are probably reading this review in search of a great lawyer. Her team's services are well worth every penny. I am a retired disabled veteran in a same-sex marriage who lived across the country and the ocean and yet that didn't hinder Ms. Paulette or Ms. Susan to work on my case diligently as well as keeping me posted on the latest news on my divorce with my evasive wife. Don't let your current circumstances, your past lawyer's incompetence and the difficulty of your divorce discourage you from attaining the freedom from a terrible marriage. You have every single right to be represented by a great team, civilian, military straight or same-sex marriage alike. Take a hold of your situation as I did and at least do a consultation with this law office. Ms. Paulette and Ms. Susan strive for fairness and will give you the honest advice you need to rid yourself of the deadweight marriage. I am forever thankful to have come across the google reviews of this law office before me and convinced me enough to be represented by them. Thank you so much for your commitment and dedication to resolving this atrocious marriage. I hope this review finds someone who is at their wit's end and is in the same position as I once was. Good luck and thank you so much again.- Keicelyn P.
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"From the first day I walked into her office I felt at ease."Best law firm. Ms. Hamilton and her staff are amazing. From the first day I walked into her office I felt at ease. I highly recommend her to anyone needing legal help.- S.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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"She is a blessing to have on your side representing you!"Paulette and her team are very professional and caring. She truly cares about you as a person and helps you through all the emotional roller coasters associated with legal matters and personal changes. She is a blessing to have on your side representing you!- Eve B.
