In Florida, paternity is defined as legal fatherhood; therefore, paternity legally defines a child’s father. The process involved in determining this claim is known as paternity establishment. When paternity is established, the father is able to include his name on a child’s birth record.
The Child’s Rights in a Paternity Case
If you speak to a paternity lawyer in Jacksonville, FL, he or she can go over the reasons why establishing paternity is important. When a father’s name is included on the birth record of a child, the child automatically receives special rights, which may include the following:
• Access to the father’s health history – helpful if certain conditions, such as diabetes, run in a family.
• Inheritance rights
• Child support
• Health insurance
• Social security benefits, if the father becomes disabled or dies
Whether a child’s parents live together or plan to get married, establishing paternity guarantees the rights of a child. Not only does the child enjoy certain rights when legal fatherhood is established, but the father does, as well.
The Rights of the Father
When you discuss your case with a paternity lawyer, he or she can also define these rights, which include the following:
• The father’s rights are considered if a baby is placed for adoption.
• The father may ask the court for child custody or placement rights (overnight visits with the child).
• The father can provide a parenting plan for the court’s review.
Speak to a paternity lawyer further about establishing fatherhood if you wish to legitimize your child’s birth. If a man or mother of a child is not sure about the actual paternity, they should ask for genetic testing. They should not sign a Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgement form unless testing is performed. Otherwise, the man will be deemed as the legal father. In turn, a court can order that he pay child support.
