We Can Help You Resolve A Paternity Dispute
At the Law Office of Cheryl Bucker, P.A., in Pompano Beach, Florida, our lawyers represent both mothers and fathers seeking to establish paternity and exercise their rights as parents. In paternity cases, it is not about you or your partner — it is about what is in the best interests of your child.
Disestablishing Paternity
Learning that you are not the biological father of a child you believed to be your own is life-changing. Until you are able to prove this fact to the court, however, you will continue to be responsible for child support payments and other parental obligations.
Unfortunately, disestablishing paternity is not as straightforward as you might think. In fact, it can become quite complicated, which is why it is beneficial to have an experienced lawyer on your side. We have helped numerous men navigate this complex process.
In order to disestablish paternity, you must file a petition with the court that includes:
- The results of a paternity test showing that you are not the child’s father
- An affidavit that explains new information that came to light after child support payments were ordered or after you were determined to be the child’s father
- An affidavit showing that you are current on all child support payments or, if you have not fulfilled your child support obligation, an explanation for why you were unable to pay
Once the court receives a complete petition, it will review your case. A judge will determine whether your petition is accurate and whether you ever voluntarily accepted parental obligations. As your attorneys, we will ensure that your petition is filed correctly to give you the best chance at disestablishing paternity.
After you learn that you are not the biological father, be aware that taking certain actions could prevent you from disestablishing paternity – even if you have proof for your claim. If you acknowledge paternity or assume parental duties through marriage, the child’s birth certificate or a written statement, the court might not approve your petition.
Therefore, it is critical to work with a skilled lawyer as soon as you learn that you are not the father of a child. Our team can start protecting you from jeopardizing your case immediately.
Legal Changes Strengthen Parental Rights Of Unwed Fathers
Until relatively recently, men who were not married to the mother of their child had few automatic parental rights. To gain them, these men had to establish paternity and then petition the court, which could be time-consuming, stressful and expensive. Starting in 2023, however, changes to state law now give unwed fathers automatic equal parental rights if they have been legally declared the father. This was widely seen as a victory for fathers rights in Florida.
Work With Us To Establish Or Disestablish Paternity
To learn more about how we can help you establish paternity in order to secure the right to see your child, resolve disputed custody claims or receive child support, contact our firm.
Call our office at 954-329-2913 or 866-776-0102 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. during the week. We offer free initial 30 minute consultations.