Fort Lauderdale Paternity Lawyer

Establishing Legal Rights and Responsibilities for Fathers

Paternity is the legal determination of fatherhood, and it plays a critical role in securing both parental rights and child support obligations. In Florida, establishing paternity allows a father to pursue time-sharing and decision-making rights while also making it possible for the child to receive financial support, inheritance, and access to health benefits. At Haber Blank, LLP, we understand how personal and often emotional paternity cases can be. As your Fort Lauderdale paternity lawyer, we work to protect your rights, clarify your obligations, and ensure that your relationship with your child is recognized and respected under the law.

Understanding the Importance of Legal Paternity

When a child is born to married parents, the husband is automatically presumed to be the legal father. However, when a child is born outside of marriage, paternity must be formally established before a father can be granted custody or time-sharing rights and before child support can be ordered. Legal paternity is the foundation that allows a father to participate in major decisions regarding the child’s life, such as education, healthcare, and religion.

For mothers, establishing paternity allows them to seek financial support from the biological father. For fathers, it provides the opportunity to form a legally protected bond with their child. Without legal paternity, even a father who is involved in the child’s life may have no enforceable rights.

Voluntary and Court-Ordered Paternity Establishment

There are two main ways to establish paternity in Florida. One is through a voluntary acknowledgment, where both parents sign a legal document at the hospital or afterward that declares the man as the child’s biological father. The other is through a court proceeding, often initiated by the mother, the alleged father, or even the state if public assistance is involved.

If either party disputes paternity, the court may order DNA testing. These tests are highly accurate and usually determine whether the man is the biological father. Once paternity is established by the court, the father may be granted rights such as time-sharing and shared parental responsibility. We help guide clients through each part of this process, whether they are seeking to confirm paternity or disputing a claim that they are the father.

Securing Time-Sharing and Parenting Rights

Once legal paternity is in place, a father can seek a parenting plan that outlines his rights to time-sharing and participation in the child’s upbringing. Florida favors active involvement from both parents, provided it serves the child’s best interests. We work with fathers to develop and obtain fair time-sharing arrangements that reflect their role and foster strong, stable parent-child relationships.

If the other parent is resisting contact or attempting to restrict access, we act quickly to assert your rights and bring the matter before the court. We believe that children benefit from having both parents involved in their lives and will work to secure an arrangement that promotes continuity and healthy development.

Establishing Child Support Obligations

Paternity is also the gateway to financial support. Once fatherhood is confirmed, the court can calculate a support obligation based on Florida’s child support guidelines. These guidelines consider income, healthcare costs, child care expenses, and the amount of time each parent spends with the child.

We help both mothers and fathers ensure that support is calculated fairly and that all financial information is presented accurately. If you are being asked to pay child support and believe the amount is too high or based on incorrect data, we investigate and advocate for a fair adjustment. If you are seeking support on behalf of your child, we work to secure a support order that meets your child’s needs and is enforceable in court.

Disputes and Complex Paternity Cases

Some paternity matters are more complicated than others. There may be situations involving multiple potential fathers, delayed claims of paternity, or cases where a father has been falsely identified. These situations require sensitive handling and thorough legal analysis. We are prepared to represent clients in contested paternity cases, presenting or challenging evidence as needed and ensuring the court has a clear understanding of the facts.

We also assist with related issues such as birth certificate changes, name changes for the child, and modifications of custody or support once paternity is established. Our goal is to bring clarity and legal certainty to your situation so you can move forward with confidence.

How We Handle Paternity Cases at Haber Blank, LLP

We approach paternity cases with care, precision, and a commitment to protecting our clients’ rights. Whether you are a father seeking to be legally recognized or a mother looking to secure support for your child, we take the time to understand your goals and develop a plan that reflects your best interests.

We communicate clearly and frequently, so you always know what to expect. From preparing documents and requesting DNA tests to negotiating parenting plans and representing you in court, we offer complete support through every phase of the process.

Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Paternity Lawyer Today

We have extensive experience handling paternity matters for clients in Fort Lauderdale and the surrounding areas. We know how local courts handle these sensitive cases and use that knowledge to guide you toward the most efficient and favorable resolution. Whether your case is straightforward or highly contested, you can count on us to protect your interests and those of your child.

If you need to establish paternity or are involved in a dispute related to fatherhood, parenting rights, or child support, we are here to help. At Haber Blank, LLP, we offer skilled legal representation and compassionate support during a time that can be both personal and complex. Contact us today to speak with a Fort Lauderdale paternity attorney who will advocate for your rights and help you take the next steps with clarity and confidence.