Paternity Serving Families Throughout Jacksonville For Over 25 Years

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 paternity 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

Understanding Paternity Issues in Jacksonville

Living in Jacksonville, you may be familiar with the unique challenges that come with establishing paternity. Whether you're navigating the bustling streets of Downtown Jacksonville or residing in the quieter neighborhoods of Riverside or San Marco, the need for legal clarity in paternity matters is universal. At Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., we understand the local landscape and the specific concerns of our community members.

Navigating the Complexities of Paternity Cases

The complexities of paternity cases often necessitate personalized legal guidance tailored to each unique situation. At our firm, we recognize that these cases can be emotionally charged, and we are committed to providing unbiased and experienced counsel. Whether you're facing disputes related to child support, visitation rights, or custody arrangements, our dedicated team can help you navigate these challenging issues effectively and with compassion.

One common pain point for residents of Jacksonville is the frustrating delays in legal proceedings, which can add to the stress for parents eager to resolve paternity matters. We are well-versed in the procedures of the Duval County Clerk of Courts and have the knowledge to help expedite your case.

By choosing Jason K.S. Porter, P.A., you're not just getting legal representation; you're partnering with a team that truly understands Jacksonville and its residents. We are committed to providing the support you need to preserve your parental rights and pursue favorable outcomes for your family.

Continue Reading Read Less

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.

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
Approximately 100 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

Hear From Our Happy Clients

Serving Jacksonville, FL Since 2004

"I will definitely be using them again if I ever need to!"
First off let me say how much I love this law firm!!! My boyfriend was referred by a friend and I'm glad we listened! This was the first time we ever needed a lawyer and Richard Watson was INCREDIBLE! He knows his stuff and he doesn't settle for anything less than what we deserved! We loved talking to Bonnie when we called she was always so cheerful and helpful! I recommend YOU to choose this office!!!!!! I promise you won't be disappointed !!!! I will definitely be using them again if I ever need to!

- Sara B.
"Ms. Carlucci provides great support and promotes collaboration with her clients."
My divorce litigated for close to two years as it was highly contentious and involved more complexities. Ms. Carlucci did a wonderful job of helping me understand and navigate the legal system. Ms. Carlucci set realistic expectations and was willing to listen to my concerns, questions, and thoughts. Divorce can be a very grueling and hard process. Ms. Carlucci provides great support and promotes collaboration with her clients.

- Former Client
"Jason Porter is the best attorney in Jacksonville!"
Jason Porter is the best attorney in Jacksonville!! He has been there for me and my son several times. I have set down with Jason and talked about my concerns and he has always put my mind at ease and has always been there. In my opinion, there is no better attorney!!

- Sherry H.
"He is a seasoned professional that is respected within the law community."
I first met Jason Porter in 2003, when our children attended a Christian Preschool together. I saw what he did within our community. He helped many of the families from the preschool over the years so when it came time that my family needed a lawyer I chose him. Jason has helped my family and several of my personal friends, all with positive outcomes. He is a seasoned professional that is respected within the law community. You will be treated with the utmost respect and compassion. I don't know another lawyer of his caliber that offers free consultations and you speak to him personally. Pick Porter.

- Angie O.
"So grateful for the help they gave me"
Jason and his legal team were great in handling my case, I was kept informed of everything that was going and had any and all questions answered.

- Paul Maloney
"Jonathan Thacher made me feel like I had someone on my side from beginning to end."
I am so happy and grateful that I picked Porter!! Jonathan Thacher made me feel like I had someone on my side from beginning to end. He told me he would fight for me, and I am thrilled to say he did just that! I was always able to reach him, and he made sure to reach out to me as well...and that means a lot. I highly recommend The Porter Law Firm to any and everyone who needs legal help! They will fight for you!!! I can say, without a doubt, they have been my "Dream Team" and if I ever need any kind of legal help, I will be calling them again!!!

- Lindsi W.
"Every time I have "Picked Porter" I have received ethical advice and excellent legal representation."
I have been a client of the law firm since 2003. Every time I have "Picked Porter" I have received ethical advice and excellent legal representation. There has been times I have been referred outside of the law firm and the referrals have always been sound and very appropriate to the overall situation. The law firms family law, personal injury and criminal defense attorneys are well versed in their specialty and are very professional. If you have a problem, Pick Porter.

- Nicholas H.
"Jon Lorimier is an amazing and knowledgeable lawyer."
Jon Lorimier is an amazing and knowledgeable lawyer. He helped me out. Highly recommend.

- Cynthia J.

Read Reviews

Pick Porter!™ Today

A member of our team will be in touch shortly to confirm your contact details or address questions you may have.

*Motorcycle accident - $2,835,000
$1,502,500 Premises Liability - $1,502,500
Bodily Injury Claim
*Wrongful Death - $1,000,000
Settled *Estate of Fred Fedorka
Largest settlement ever against Volusia County.
*Medical Malpractice - $500,000

View All Results