Paternity
Establishing legal paternity is one of the most important steps in protecting the rights of parents and children. At McNary Law, our paternity attorneys help families in Bradenton and Sarasota navigate this process with compassion and clarity. Whether you are a mother seeking child support, a father seeking custody rights, or a parent wanting to establish legal parentage, we provide the skilled guidance you need.
Why Establishing Paternity Matters
Paternity is more than biology — it is a legal relationship that gives both parents rights and responsibilities. Establishing paternity can provide:
- For fathers: The right to time-sharing (custody), parenting decisions, and a meaningful role in the child’s life.
- For mothers: Access to child support, shared parental responsibility, and help ensuring the child’s needs are met.
- For children: Benefits such as health insurance, inheritance rights, Social Security benefits, and a stronger relationship with both parents.
Without legal paternity, fathers may not have custody rights, and mothers may face difficulties securing support.
How Paternity Is Established in Florida
In Florida, paternity can be established in several ways:
- Marriage: If a child is born to a married couple, the husband is legally presumed to be the father.
- Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents may sign a legal document acknowledging paternity.
- Administrative Order: The Florida Department of Revenue can establish paternity when genetic testing confirms it.
- Court Order: Either parent may file a paternity case in court to establish legal parentage, custody, and support.
Our attorneys guide clients through the court process to ensure parental rights and responsibilities are clearly defined and legally protected.
Paternity and Custody (Time-Sharing)
Once paternity is established, fathers gain the right to request time-sharing and parental responsibility. Parenting plans can then be created to define schedules, responsibilities, and decision-making authority. Our firm helps fathers pursue custody rights and mothers secure support in a way that prioritizes the child’s best interests.
Paternity and Child Support
When paternity is established, the court can order child support. Support is determined under Florida guidelines, which consider both parents’ incomes, time-sharing arrangements, and the child’s needs. We help ensure child support orders are accurate, fair, and enforceable.
Paternity Disputes
Sometimes paternity is contested. In these cases, the court may order genetic testing to determine biological parentage. McNary Law represents both mothers and fathers in disputed cases, providing strong advocacy whether you are seeking to establish or challenge paternity.
Paternity FAQs
Can a father get custody without establishing paternity?
No. Without legal paternity, a father has no custody or time-sharing rights under Florida law.
Does signing a birth certificate establish paternity?
Not by itself. While it is evidence, legal paternity usually requires a marriage, acknowledgment, or court order.
Can paternity be established after the child is born?
Yes. Paternity can be established at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.
What if the alleged father refuses DNA testing?
The court can order testing. Refusal may result in a default judgment of paternity.
Why Choose McNary Law?
At McNary Law, we understand that paternity cases are deeply personal. Guided by our core values of honesty, integrity, and compassionate problem-solving, we help families in Bradenton, Sarasota, and Manatee County resolve paternity matters with professionalism and care.
Contact McNary Law Today
If you need help establishing, disputing, or enforcing paternity rights, our attorneys are here to support you. Call McNary Law today at 941-345-1662 or send us a message below to schedule your consultation.
