Category Archives: Paternity
Disestablishing Paternity
When a child is born to a married couple, the husband is automatically presumed to be the child’s father. While many fathers are happy to be parents, the designation can become complicated if an individual discovers that he may not be the child’s biological father. In these cases, the man may wish to disestablish… Read More »
The Different Types of Paternity Tests
In Florida, paternity can only be established in certain ways. For instance, if a mother was married at the time of a child’s birth, then her husband will be presumed to be the father. Otherwise, both parents must sign an acknowledgement of paternity at the hospital. Fortunately, even if a father was not married… Read More »
Paternity in Florida and Why it Matters
Across the country, over 40 percent of all childbirths are to unmarried women. With this rising trend, paternity is increasingly becoming something that needs to be established following the birth of a child. In the state of Florida, if a married woman gives birth the law automatically grants paternity to the woman’s husband, however,… Read More »
The Father’s Right Before Birth
In today’s society, many marriages ultimately end in divorce. With such a high chance of being separated, fathers are becoming more knowledgeable of their rights. However, what many dads may not know are the rights they have before the child’s birth. This little discussed topic is slowly gaining traction as an increasing number of… Read More »
Importance of Establishing Paternity
Immediately following a separation or divorce, custody and visitation often become a point of contention. Former spouses who are able to agree to financial matters and property divisions may find themselves unable to agree on issues concerning minor children. When custody has become, or will become, an issue, the importance of establishing paternity cannot… Read More »
What Is The Florida Putative Father Registry, And How Can It Affect My Child’s Pending Adoption?
What is the Florida Putative Father Registry? The Florida Putative Father Registry is a central state registry maintained within the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. The purpose of the Florida Putative Father Registry is to allow a man, who believes he is the biological father of child who’s mother he is not married to,… Read More »
The Link between Paternity and Fraud
On March 18th, Huffington Post featured an interesting article about the link between paternity tests, family law courts, and fraud. Specifically, the article discussed current issues related to fathers paying child support for children that are not theirs, and, conversely, actual biological fathers being obstructed from having a relationship with their children. The article… Read More »
Is Paternity Leave Legally Required?
A recent New York Times piece looking at the corporate culture at Amazon.com noted that the company does not offer paid paternity leave even though the competition does. For example, Netflix recently announced that it is offering one year of paid paternity leave to their employees. The reaction has been one of shock from… Read More »
Fathers’ Rights in Adoption Proceedings
Knowing your rights as a parent during adoption proceedings is crucial, particularly because it can determine the entire future for your child by severing ties with you as the birth parent. Typically, unmarried biological fathers must demonstrate a commitment to parenthood by establishing legal paternity rights in accordance with the law in order to… Read More »
How Does Being Unmarried Change My Legal Obligations and Rights?
Although a child’s parents are obligated to financially support that child (regardless of whether they are married or not), unmarried parents do not share in some of the automatic legal protection that comes with marriage. If you are an unmarried parent, it is crucial to understand both your rights and obligations, as sometimes people… Read More »
