Paternity Lawyer in Lake County
Establishing Legal Fathers for Residents of Tavares & the Surrounding Areas
Issues of paternity overlap with several family law matters including child support, custody, and visitation rights. As a paternity lawyer in Lake County, the Law Office of Michael E. Golub P.A. understands the emotional and financial consequences often associated with establishing or disestablishing paternity. I am committed to helping you resolve issues amicably and efficiently.
Call my firm at (352) 290-2877 today. I offer a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation.
Legal Fatherhood Comes with Specific Obligations & Benefits
A child who is born to married parents has a legal father. A child born to an unwed mother does not have a legal father until paternity is established. It is important to establish legal fatherhood to ensure that each parent has the same rights and responsibilities associated with child rearing.
A legal father has the right to:
- Obtain a court order for child custody and visitation
- Petition for child support
- Participate in making legal decisions concerning the child
Once paternity is established, the legal father has the same legal rights as the mother. The court regards each parent equally when establishing parenting plans that are in the child’s best interests.
How to Establish Paternity in Florida
There are five ways to establish paternity:
- Marriage – A husband is the legal father of any child born to a married couple.
- Acknowledgement of paternity – An unmarried couple may sign a document establishing legal paternity. This document may be signed at the child’s birth or at a later date. If the mother is married to another man at the time of the child’s birth, this method may not be used to establish paternity.
- Administrative order and genetic testing – If the mother, father, and child take a genetic test that proves paternity, the Florida Department of Revenue issues an Administrative Order legally establishing paternity.
- Court order – A judge may establish paternity through a court order.
- Legitimation – When an unmarried mother marries the biological father following the birth of a child, he is considered the legal father.
An unmarried biological father must take specific actions to protect his rights as a legal father. If he fails to take prompt and substantial steps to establish a relationship with the child, he may lose his parental rights in part or altogether.
Seek Help from a Respected Lake County Paternity Lawyer Today
Paternity cases can be emotionally charged and complex. The Law Office of Michael E. Golub P.A. strives to collaborate with all parties to reach a successful resolution that satisfies a child’s best interests.
Fill out my online contact form or call me directly at (352) 290-2877 to schedule your appointment.
Testimonials
Former Clients Share Their Stories-
“Mr. Golub showed great discernment in the situation and knew exactly what he needed to do for the well-being of his client.”
- Lynda -
“He was so aggressive and got our story of what had truly happened heard and they were ordered to return him immediately. I was extremely impressed at the way he fought for us.”
- Former Client -
“Mr.Golub took what was a seemingly impossible overwhelming situation and pushed the easy button. His prices were more than fair for the amount of headache I didn't have. Thank you Mike Golub.”
- Carmen S. -
“Michael and his team did a great job with my bankruptcy! They are very knowledgeable about the process and supported me through out it. He is even well known and respected by the court system.”
- Jim -
“We appreciate Mr. Golub so much. He helped us get our child right back when DCF wrongly took him. He went out of his way to meet with the Judge with us on Saturday Morning. We would recommend him to anyone and we greatly appreciate him and his staff.”
- James