Florida Legal Paternity Lawyer

Many individuals believe that paternity is automatically established when a court orders child support. Contrary to common belief, this does not establish paternity or parental rights. Our paternity attorneys at Dunlop, Dunlop, & Dunlop, P.A. have over 10 years of experience practicing law in Florida. We can guide individuals through the process of establishing paternity and assert their new rights. Contact our Orlando, Florida, paternity rights attorney for assistance.

Establishing Paternity

Although having one's name on a child's birth certificate does not legally establish paternity, it can be use. Legal paternity can only be established through a paternity agreement form signed by both parties, or by a court action.

If an individual believes he is not the father of a child, he may contest a child support order through a paternity action. In this action, the mother, potential father, and child may need to submit DNA for genetics testing to determine the father's identity. Our attorneys will represent individuals through paternity actions and inform them of fathers' rights they would be entitled to if paternity was established.

Differences Between Legal and Biological Paternity

The legal father of a child is recognized by the court system as the child's father. He has all the legal rights and responsibilities of and to the child whether or not he is the biological father. The biological father of a child may or may not be the male established by a paternity action to be the legal father of the child.

When a child is born during marriage, the husband is presumed to be the child's father, even if the wife was known to be having an affair during the marriage. If another individual believes that he is the biological father of the child, he can bring a paternity action to become the legal father. If the judge decides that it is in the best interests of the child for the non-biological father to remain the legal father, then that will be the outcome, unless reversed on appeal.

Our firm can analyze your particular situation and determine the best course of action to establish paternity. Following a successful action, our firm assists with implementing visitation schedules and modifications in child custody.

If you believe you are the father of a child and wish to ascertain fathers' rights; or if you believe you are not the father and wish to contest child support orders, our lawyers can help guide you through the process. Contact our skilled Florida legal paternity lawyers for a consultation.

Dunlop, Dunlop & Dunlop, P.A.
Attorneys at Law
Suite A
301 North Park Avenue
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: (407) 628-4300
Fax: (407) 628-4345
Email