Sarasota Family LawPaternity
Sarasota Paternity Lawyer
When questions of paternity arise, emotions run high, and the outcomes can deeply affect families for a lifetime. Whether you are seeking to establish your parental rights, challenge a paternity claim, or secure child support, the guidance of an experienced Sarasota paternity lawyer is critical. At McNary Law, we proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch, helping families navigate the complex and often emotional landscape of paternity law. Our compassionate yet strategic approach ensures your interests—and those of your child—are protected every step of the way.
Table of Contents
Understanding Paternity Law in Florida
Paternity law governs the legal recognition of a child’s father. In Florida, paternity must be established before a father has legal rights to custody, time-sharing, or decision-making responsibilities—or before he can be ordered to pay child support.
Paternity may be established voluntarily or through court action. Florida law recognizes several ways to establish paternity:
Marriage: If a child is born during a marriage, the husband is presumed to be the father.
Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a notarized Acknowledgment of Paternity form.
Court Order: If paternity is disputed, either parent can file a petition, and the court may order genetic testing.
Department of Revenue Administrative Order: In child support cases, the Department may administratively establish paternity.
Understanding the options available can empower you to take decisive action to protect your rights.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
The determination of paternity has wide-ranging effects on both parents and the child. It can:
Ensure a child’s right to financial support, medical insurance, and inheritance.
Secure a father’s rights to time-sharing and parental decision-making.
Strengthen the emotional bond between father and child.
Clarify legal responsibilities such as child support and healthcare coverage.
Failing to establish paternity can lead to legal confusion, financial hardship, and strained family relationships.
The Paternity Process in Sarasota and Bradenton
At McNary Law, we guide clients through the entire paternity process:
1. Filing a Petition
Under Florida Statutes Chapter 742, either the mother, the alleged father, or the child themselves can initiate a paternity action. The case is filed in the circuit court where either party resides.
2. Scientific Testing
If necessary, the court can order DNA testing. Scientific testing showing a probability of 95% or greater creates a rebuttable presumption of paternity.
3. Court Hearing
During the hearing, the judge will consider evidence, such as genetic test results, testimonies, and other documentation. If paternity is established, the court may also address:
Child support obligations
Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules
Medical expenses and insurance coverage
Common Questions About Paternity in Florida
Can I challenge a paternity determination?
Yes, but challenges must meet strict legal standards. A signed voluntary acknowledgment may be rescinded within 60 days or challenged later for fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.
Can paternity be established after the child turns 18?
Generally, paternity cases are brought while the child is a minor. However, adult children may independently seek a paternity determination.
What happens if the father refuses DNA testing?
The court can enter a default judgment or require compliance through enforcement measures.
McNary Law’s Approach to Paternity Cases
Navigating paternity issues requires sensitivity, skill, and strategic planning. Our firm is guided by core values like honesty, integrity, and compassionate problem-solvingCore Values . We recognize that every family’s situation is unique and offer tailored legal strategies that fit your specific needs.
We can assist you with:
Establishing paternity
Challenging wrongful paternity claims
Seeking child support
Securing time-sharing and parental responsibility
Modifying existing orders when circumstances change
Our deep knowledge of family law and commitment to continuous self-improvement keeps us at the forefront of developments in Florida paternity law.
Serving Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood Ranch
McNary Law proudly serves clients throughout Sarasota, Bradenton, and Lakewood RanchService Areas. Whether you need a Sarasota paternity lawyer, a Bradenton family law attorney, or representation for related matters such as child custody or modifications, our team is ready to stand by your side.
Other related areas we handle include:
Child Custody: Developing parenting plans that work in your child’s best interests.
Child Support: Ensuring fair financial contributions.
Modifications: Adjusting agreements when life changes.
Mediation: Resolving disputes amicably when possiblePractice Areas.
Trust McNary Law with Your Paternity Case
If you’re facing paternity issues in Sarasota, Bradenton, or Lakewood Ranch, you don’t have to navigate it alone. The skilled legal team at McNary Law provides clear guidance, strategic advocacy, and compassionate support.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a trusted Sarasota paternity lawyer. Let’s build a future that protects what matters most—your family.
