Coconut Creek Paternity Lawyer

In Florida, when a child is born to an unmarried couple, the mother is considered the natural custodian of that child. This means that the father does not have the legal rights and responsibilities of a parent.

Unfortunately, this fact remains unknown to a lot of people. Many fathers of children born out of wedlock believe that simply because they have their name on their children's birth certificates, they have all the legal rights of a parent under the law.

This is a very common misconception. In order for a biological father of a child born out of wedlock to have the legal rights of a parent, he needs to initiate a court action to establish paternity.

Are you looking to establish paternity in Florida? Call The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L. today at (954) 626-8071 or contact us online today to get started! 

How Is Paternity Established in Florida?

Establishing paternity is the legal process that creates a legal relationship between a father and a child who is born out of wedlock. In Florida, any woman who is pregnant or has a child, or any man who has reason to believe that he is the father of a child, may bring an action for paternity.

Generally, the father initiates a court action for establishment of paternity, asking the court to formally declare him a parent with all the legal rights and responsibilities that come with parenthood. But, in some cases, the mother of a child who is born out of wedlock initiates this action to get the court to issue an order of child support in her favor.

How To Disestablish Paternity in Florida

Even if you've been declared a "parent" under Florida law, it is always possible to disestablish your paternity and terminate your child support obligation if you are not the biological father of the child.

An action for disestablishment of paternity involves an individual who has been previously designated as the father proving to the court that he is not the biological father of the child and therefore is not legally obligated to support or be responsible for that child.

Once paternity is disestablished, the father may be relieved from making further child support payments.

Coconut Creek Paternity Attorney: Protecting Your Rights

At The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L., our Coconut Creek paternity lawyer helps both fathers and mothers throughout the entire legal process of establishing paternity. Often, a genetic/DNA test is required.

Once paternity is established, the court addresses the issues of child custody and child support

You need an experienced and knowledgeable Coconut Creek paternity attorney who can fight for your parental rights and the rights of your child if:

• You're a father facing a situation where the paternity of your child is challenged and you would like to establish paternity
• Or if you're a mother who wants to protect her child's right to be financially supported by both parents

If you are a parent of a child under Florida law but believe you're not the biological father of that child, then you have the right to challenge your paternity and discontinue paying child support. However, you need to have your case handled by an aggressive Coconut Creek family law attorney.

Local Support for Paternity Issues in Coconut Creek

Living in Coconut Creek, you have access to various local resources and government entities that can assist you in navigating the complexities of paternity law. The Broward County Clerk of Courts, located just a short drive away, is crucial for filing the necessary legal documents to establish or disestablish paternity. Additionally, the Broward County Family Court provides valuable information and support for parents dealing with paternity issues.

One of the common challenges faced by residents in Coconut Creek is the misconception about parental rights for fathers of children born out of wedlock. Many fathers believe that having their name on the birth certificate is sufficient to secure parental rights. However, under Florida law, this is not the case. Establishing paternity through the court is essential to gain legal recognition and the associated rights and responsibilities.

For mothers in Coconut Creek, ensuring their child receives financial support from both parents can be a significant concern. Establishing paternity is not only about recognizing the father's rights but also about securing the child's right to support. The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L. understands these local pain points and is dedicated to helping parents through the legal process and ensuring that the child's and the parents' rights are protected.

Whether you are near the Promenade at Coconut Creek or closer to Tradewinds Park, our team is familiar with the local community and the specific challenges you may face. We are committed to providing personalized legal support tailored to the needs of Coconut Creek residents. By working closely with local entities and understanding the unique aspects of our community, we strive to make the legal process as smooth and effective as possible for our clients.

If you are dealing with paternity issues in Coconut Creek, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you navigate the legal landscape and protect your rights and your child's rights.

Get a Free Consultation: Contact Our Paternity Attorney in Coconut Creek today to schedule a FREE consultation with our skilled paternity attorney in Coconut Creek!