Jacksonville Military Paternity Lawyer

The Importance of Legal Guidance in Paternity Cases

Issues can arise within a marriage or after the birth of a child that lead to the questioning of paternity. When one of the parents is enlisted in the military, this can prove to be a troubling circumstance, and paternity can cause serious issues for a member of the United States military.

If this is a situation you are currently encountering, it is important to enlist the help of a lawyer from my firm. I can discuss the options that are available to you and guide you through the suggested steps you should take. When these questions of paternity arise, it is important to get your questions answered by a knowledgeable lawyer who can enable you to make an educated decision.

Establishing Paternity in Florida

Paternity refers to legally establishing that a man is the father of a child. Men may require the services of a Jacksonville paternity lawyer to establish that they are in fact the father of the child or to establish that they are not the child's father. No matter what your paternity needs may be, Charles E. Willmott, P.A. is here to help. It is important to understand that a biological father and a legal father are different from one another.

In Florida, establishing paternity involves a comprehensive legal process that can be initiated voluntarily or through court action. Mothers and fathers alike may seek legal help to clarify parental responsibilities and rights that could significantly impact child support, custody, and visitation arrangements. Our firm is committed to guiding you through every step of this process.

A man could be the biological father of a child, but if he is not listed on the birth certificate, paternity must be established in order for him to be identified as the legal father. As an experienced paternity lawyer in Jacksonville, I can assist you with your paternity case and advocate for your rights and interests.

Looking to establish paternity in Florida? Contact Charles E. Willmott, P.A. or call (904) 849-5183 to start discussing your case today with our experienced Jacksonville paternity attorney. 

Why Establishing Paternity is Crucial in Florida

In Florida, paternity petitions can be filed by both men and women for various reasons, many of which involve child custody and support.

Establishing paternity is not only about legal recognition; it also facilitates emotional bonds and ensures a more stable environment for all involved. Understanding one's parental obligations can aid in fostering responsible parenting while also safeguarding a child's rights to support and care. This foundational step in family law allows for clear delineations of duty, benefits, and privileges.

Supporting Mothers Through Paternity Actions

As a mother, you may need to establish paternity so that you can receive the child support you need to properly care for your child. Establishing paternity can be very helpful if you were never married to your child's father and he has refused to make child support payments. As an experienced Jacksonville paternity lawyer, I can help you file a paternity petition and seek the financial support to which you are entitled.

Beyond financial support, the recognition of paternity can also ensure that both parents are involved in important decisions regarding the child’s education, healthcare, and overall well-being. Our firm works to ensure these rights are upheld, bringing peace of mind and stability to families.

Fathers' Rights to Child Custody & Visitation

In other cases, a man may want to establish paternity in order to prove that they are not the child's father and should not be held responsible for child support. I can also assist you if you need to establish that you are your child's legal father so that you can protect your rights and relationship with them. Establishing your parentage will give you full rights as the child's legal father and ensure that you receive proper visitation time or partial custody.

Fathers who establish paternity not only gain legal standing but also the opportunity to be actively engaged in their child's life. Legal paternity enables fathers to participate in crafting parenting plans that reflect the child's best interests while advocating for equitable time-sharing and decision-making responsibilities.

Immediate Benefits for Children with Established Paternity

Some of the rights and benefits immediately enjoyed by the child include:

• The child will know the identity of his or her father
• The father's name is put on the birth certificate
• Health or life insurance from either parent, where applicable
• Financial support from both parents
• The right to Social Security or veteran's benefits or military allowances
• The right to inheritances

The benefits of establishing paternity extend to ensuring long-term welfare and emotional assurance for the child. By having clear legal documentation, children enjoy a sense of security, reinforced by emotional and financial safety nets provided by both parents.

Once paternity is officially established, both parents have the right to a child support order, to obtain a court order for custody or visitation, and to have a say in legal decisions concerning the child.