Jacksonville Paternity Attorney
Legal Assistance Establishing Paternity
Paternity is the legal finding that establishes a parental relationship between a man and a child. If you need help establishing paternity, a Jacksonville divorce lawyer from Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. can help. We have many years of experience representing both fathers and mothers in these matters. Paternity cases can help protect the rights of the individual to:
There are many reasons to establish paternity.
Some specific examples might include:
- A mother wants to establish paternity to prove that a man who denies paternity and will not pay child support is actually the father of the child.
- A woman states that a particular man is the father. This is untrue, but the man is now being harassed to pay child support by the state child support enforcement agency.
- The mother of a child is denying visitation rights to the biological father and will not allow him to see his child.
- A child needs to prove paternity for inheritance reasons.
Aside from genetic testing, there are many different ways to legally establish paternity in the state of Florida. According to the Florida Department of Revenue, marriage is one way. If a man is married to a woman at the time she gives birth to a child, that man is presumed to be the legal father of the child, although this can be contested in court.
Acknowledgement is another way to establish paternity, which can be accomplished by way of an unmarried couple signing a legal document at the hospital where the child is born.
Other avenues of establishing paternity include:
- Administrative order
- Court order
- Legitimation
Defining "Legitimation"
Legitimation is a process through which the mother and natural father of a child get married after a child is born and then update the child's birth records via the Florida Office of Vital Statistics. An attorney will be able to decipher which option is best for your unique situation.
Benefits of Establishing Paternity
If it is ambiguous who the legal father of a child is, there are many benefits to legally establishing paternity. While this might seem like an arduous process on the surface, it is actually fairly simple to handle, especially with the help of an attorney, and the benefits are numerous.
Listed below are some of the most commonly recognized benefits of determining paternity:
- Only a legal parent has the right to obtain a child support order, obtain visitation or custody rights or have a say in the legal decisions regarding the child
- The child will be able to know who their father is
- The child can gain access to their father's health or life insurance, if applicable
- The child will be able to learn about both sides of their family medical history
- The father's name will be included on the child's birth certificate
DNA Testing to Prove Paternity
Paternity is proved by DNA testing. DNA tests can be inclusive or exclusive. Tests that are inclusive show how likely it is that a man is the father of a child. An inclusive test establishes paternity to a certainty between 99% and 99.99%. An exclusive test will prove that a man is not the father of a child with a certainty of 100%.
When parental rights need to be determined, child support established, or paternity disproved, we can help. Our legal team will use our knowledge of paternity law and our years of experience to resolve your paternity and resulting family related concerns, so contact us today.
Thousands of Clients Helped
Powerful Stories From Real People-
Sara B.
I will definitely be using them again if I ever need to!
-
Angie O.
He is a seasoned professional that is respected within the law community.
-
M.S.
Very professional attorney!
-
Elizabeth E.
Mr. Porter was so nice and explained everything in a way that I could understand.
-
Satisfied Client
Jason answered all my emails and phone calls.
-
Satisfied Client
When needed, you answered my questions clearly and politely.
-
Satisfied Client
He prepared our family through each and every step.
-
Satisfied Client
He is our family attorney forever.
-
Carla B.
Jason is the best lawyer in Jacksonville.
-
P.B.
Mr. Porter and his staff are fantastic.
-
Kizgel D.
The experience was just wonderful! We would recommend them 10 times over.
-
N.B.
Mr. Porter and his staff do an incredible job!
-
Paul R.
Nicole Carlucci is an absolutely amazing attorney.
-
Josh C.
My life is in a much better place today because of Jason's integrity within the community and relationships with the judges & ...
-
Calvin W.
Mr. Porter and his staff were wonderful.
-
Ed W.
You couldn't find a better lawyer anywhere.
-
Judy S.
Absolutely Amazing Attorneys!!!
-
Rena P.
Compassionate Caring and Honest
-
Robert B.
Forever Grateful
-
Gale B.
The best attorneys you will find. I love you guys!
-
Gale B.
This firm is great!
-
Nikki
Aggressive and Compassionate. Highly Recommend.
-
Meagan V.
I would refer anyone to this firm
-
Barry M.
List of Blessings
-
John P.
Jason Porter excellent attorney
-
Donna G.
What an outstanding lawyer!
-
Ellen K.
Maureen Horkan is an amazing attorney who only had me and my best interests at heart!!
-
Angela M.
She was a Godsend! I highly recommend this firm!
-
Michael
This Lady Knows the Law
-
Anne S.
Maureen Horkan FIGHTS for you!
-
Jonathan N.
The best team ever.
-
Nina B.
I love this law firm...
-
Diane and Richard
This Legal Team is Wonderful!
-
Diane
Impressive Attorney’s very knowledgeable, able to fight for your rights always kind, handles conflict with professionalism by ...
-
Tyron B.
Jason Porter is superb.
-
Jocelyn
PERSONABLE SERVICE AND DOWN TO EARTH ATTORNEY "MS. MAUREEN HORKAN"
-
C.
Jason is the most diligent attorney
-
J.J.
They turned my frown upside down!
-
Robyn S.
The Best I Could Imagine!!!
-
Anonymous
Thanks for everything.
-
Anonymous
Glad We Picked Porter!
-
Michael C.
I will never be able to thank Jason Porter enough.
-
Jeremy T.
Jason and his staff were very professional.
-
M.S.
Very professional attorney!
-
Elizabeth E.
Mr. Porter was so nice and explained everything in a way that I could understand.
-
Anonymous
Jason answered all my emails and phone calls.
-
Anonymous
When needed, you answered my questions clearly and politely.
-
Anonymous
He prepared our family through each and every step.
-
Anonymous
He is our family attorney forever.
-
John
Mr. Porter was very friendly and knowledgeable.
The Porter Difference
Six Reasons to Pick Porter-
A Guided, Hands-On Approach
Step-by-Step Guidance for Any Legal Matter
-
A Compassionate Team
Your Story Matters - We're Here to Listen
-
Extensive Experience
90+ Years of Combined Legal Experience On Your Side
-
Award-Winning Counsel
Top-Rated Ethics & Legal Skill – AV Preeminent® Rating
-
Trusted & Recommended
Trusted by the Media & Recommended by Our Clients
-
Top-Rated Attorneys
Top-Rated Personal Injury, DUI, & Criminal Defense Lawyer
Learn more about why you should Pick Porter!