Paternity
One of the primary purposes of paternity proceedings is to identify the biological or ''natural'' father of a child born out of wedlock. Once this is done many other issues can be resolved. These issues include establishment of support, as well as the establishment of parental and custodial rights.
Father's - Establish your rights with your children as soon as possible. When the child is born, even if you are living with the mother, establish your parental rights. If you don't, you leave yourself exposed. Nobody will recognize you as the legal father until a Judge say you are the Father.
From time to time, paternity is only established for the purpose of providing support. This is usually done by a Department of Revenue proceeding. In this case the father will have to file a separate case to establish custodial rights, such as a time-sharing schedule and parental responsibility so that he has the ability to make important decisions in the child's life.
If you need to establish certain rights for the child, such as support, visitation or custody, it is always best to sit down with an attorney and discuss your individual problems and needs.
The paternity of a natural or biological father may be established in any one of the following ways:
- By a paternity action instituted by the mother;
- By a paternity action initiated by any man who has reason to believe that he is the father of a child;
- By a paternity action initiated by a child;
- By the father's acknowledgment of paternity;
- By the father's marriage to the mother;
- By a foreign judgment of paternity.
Free Initial Consultation
New Horizons Law has always offered free initial consultations. We strive to advise you to the best of our ability in the hopes that you will be more enlightened and informed so that you can make the best decisions for you and your family.
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Palm Beach (561) 793-5570Michael J. Costantino, Esq.
Attorney at Law
