Paternity

Establishing paternity is a critical step in securing the legal rights and responsibilities of both parents and ensuring that children receive the support and care they need. At Woolsey Morcom, we assist clients in all aspects of paternity cases, whether you are a mother seeking to establish paternity to obtain child support or a father asserting your rights to custody and visitation. Our attorneys are experienced in handling the legal and procedural requirements of paternity cases, including DNA testing, court petitions, and the establishment of legal parentage, ensuring that your rights are protected throughout the process.

In Florida, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the biological father is not always automatically recognized as the legal father. Legal paternity must be established before the father can obtain rights such as custody, visitation, or decision-making authority. Similarly, a mother cannot obtain a court order for child support unless legal paternity is confirmed. Establishing paternity ensures that a child has access to financial support, healthcare benefits, inheritance rights, and a relationship with both parents—critical factors in a child’s long-term well-being.

Paternity cases can be emotionally complex and legally challenging, particularly when there are disputes over parentage or concerns about the implications of establishing paternity. Woolsey Morcom’s attorneys provide compassionate and knowledgeable representation, guiding our clients through each step of the process with a focus on achieving the best outcome for all parties involved. Whether paternity is being established voluntarily through acknowledgment forms or contested in court, we help clients understand the legal implications and navigate the system with confidence.

In some cases, DNA testing becomes a key component of the legal process. We assist clients in obtaining court-ordered genetic testing when parentage is in question and ensure that the results are submitted properly to the court. Once paternity is legally established, the court can then issue orders regarding child support, time-sharing (custody and visitation), and parental responsibility. Our attorneys advocate for parenting plans that serve the best interests of the child while protecting our clients’ parental rights.

In addition to helping clients establish paternity, Woolsey Morcom also provides support in addressing the legal consequences of paternity, including child support, custody, and visitation rights. A father who establishes paternity may seek a fair and meaningful role in their child’s life, including shared custody or decision-making authority. Conversely, a mother may seek to ensure consistent financial support and legal recognition for her child’s benefit. We represent both mothers and fathers with equal dedication and focus on achieving equitable, long-term solutions for the family.

We also assist with post-establishment issues, such as modifications to support or visitation orders, enforcement of parenting plans, and disputes arising from changes in family dynamics. Every paternity case is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet the specific needs and concerns of each client.

We understand the importance of securing a stable and supportive environment for children, and we are here to help our clients navigate the legal challenges that can arise in paternity cases. By partnering with us, you can trust that your paternity case will be handled with the care, attention, and diligence necessary to achieve a fair and just resolution for you and your child.