Paternity Actions...
Over the years, the Law Offices of John O. McGowan & Associates, P.A. have had the privilege of representing its clients' legal issues relating to paternity. We know that a paternity action is an emotional and difficult time for all parties involved.
Paternity is essentially the recognition of a man's biological relationship between himself and a child. A biological father has certain legal duties, responsibilities, and rights as they relate to his biological child. Often times a married man is assigned legal duties and responsibilities under Florida Law when his wife gives birth as it is assumed that he is the biological father of the child. Problems often arise when there is doubt as to the true identity of the biological father. Alternatively, when a child is born out of wedlock, the child is often not assigned a legal father, jeopardizing the child's rights to child support, for instance.
In Florida, a legal paternity action can be brought by either party to the action be it the father or the mother. Typically a DNA test is performed to establish paternity. There are many reasons why establishing paternity is important. Besides giving all parties involved the piece of mind of "knowing for sure", it can also aid in obtaining child support, or being released from the responsibility of paying child support Ordered in a Court preceding. Additionally, it can help in determining custody issues including visitation schedules so that a father may be in his child's life, and in completing the parental health profile for your child.
At our Firm, we will use the combined experience of our legal team to assure that your case is handled efficiently, while at the same time, we will make sure that your life is not unnecessarily disrupted by procedural issues.
Our attorneys take the time necessary to explore all aspects of a case with our clients. This gives you the information you need to make an informed decision as to what is best for you your family and your future.
Contact us immediately to get our experience on your side. Our attorneys will serve you in Southwest Florida or many other locations throughout Florida.