Paternity refers to the identification of the legal father of a child. If a child is born to a married mom and dad, the hospital writes the father's name on the birth certificate to automatically establish paternity. However, if the parents are not in a marriage, or...
How may a parenting time plan help unmarried fathers?
Unmarried biological parents may not automatically receive shared child custody rights in Florida. Even if you never married your child's biological mother, however, you may have an option to obtain shared custody as though you divorced through a court order. In the...
Can a father get custody in Florida?
Child custody matters are always difficult because they will have a significant impact on the lives of the children involved. They also will affect you and the other parent, but the one thing to keep in mind above all else when it comes to custody is to put the...
If my name is on the birth certificate, does it give me rights?
A child’s birth certificate is a record. It has no power on its own to give parental rights to the parents listed on it. Therefore, putting your name on your child’s birth certificate does not secure your paternity. The Florida Department of Revenue explains the only...
How can unmarried fathers establish paternity after a birth?
As an unmarried father, establishing paternity not only helps your child gain a better sense of identity but also allows both you and that child certain rights you may not have otherwise. The Florida Department of Revenue notes that paternity allows you to seek not...
Unmarried fathers face unique requirements in Florida
Just because a child is born out of wedlock does not mean that the father is any less committed to his child than if he and the mother were married. Unfortunately, the law does not automatically allow unmarried fathers to have rights to their child, especially if he...
Is nesting a good solution for my divorcing family?
Child custody can be an uphill battle for many fathers. Fortunately, the modern family law courtroom sees the importance of both the mother and the father in the child's life. This is why joint custody is such a popular arrangement for families after divorce. Even...
Paternity and custody negotiations
As a Florida parent, you fight for what is best for your children and yourself when it comes to custody talks at the divorce table. While mothers have an easier job proving their genetic connection to the children in question, what matters is that you and your spouse...
How do you establish paternity as an unwed father?
Establishing your child’s parentage offers numerous benefits, to you and your child alike. For your child, this step may provide him or her with family medical history information, the right to draw health or life insurance from both parents, the ability to receive...
What a father should do to obtain equal custody rights
Many fathers lack a clear understanding of their legal rights after a divorce, especially when their children are involved. Therefore, they may give up on the custody due to fear of losing the case in court. However, the rights of the mother over their children are...
