Florida Paternity Lawyers
In Florida, there is a presumption that a child born to (or conceived by) a married couple is the child of both parents. That presumption, however, is not absolute. Moreover, for a child born out of wedlock there is no legal presumption of fatherhood.
Whether you are (a) facing a paternity suit, (b) seeking to establish paternity, (c) engaged in another matter involving child support, custody, and/or visitation, or (d) contesting an adoption, you need experienced lawyers who will protect your rights. A finding of paternity has life-long consequences for you and your child. A paternity case is an initial child custody determination and establishes a parenting plan that governs access to the child. The paternity case also imposes continuing obligations on the parents to provide financial support for the child.
Richard Mockler and Angela Leiner know how to approach a paternity case, whether representing the mother or the father. Our firm has experience in matters involving paternity, and will devise a strategy right for you. Regardless of if you are seeking to establish paternity or defending against it, we can help you protect your interests and achieve the results that are right for you and your child.
“In paternity actions, the court should judge the merits of each case. We gather the evidence necessary to prove your case so the court does not enter judgment based on assumptions.”
Establishing Paternity
If you are seeking to secure your rights as a father, you need representation that will formulate a strategy for success. At Mockler Leiner Law, we believe there is nothing more precious than the relationship between a child and his or her parent, and we will work to protect that relationship. Our experienced attorneys will sit with you and explain the various steps that need to be taken for the law to recognize your bond with the child, and we will advocate on your behalf to the court.
Establishing Paternity of an Uncooperative Father
You know who fathered your child, but he refuses to accept the responsibilities of fatherhood. There are ways to get the law to recognize that relationship through legal proceedings and genetic testing. Once paternity is established, the father will likely be obligated to contribute to the child’s expenses, including food, clothing, education, and medical necessities. When you retain the services of our law firm, we will utilize the most innovative approaches to establish the father’s paternity.
Disestablishing Paternity
If you know or believe that you are not the child’s father, and the mother has filed a paternity suit against you, you need effective representation. Our law firm will work to prevent you from being saddled with lifetime expenses for a child that is not yours. Contact us today for a free consultation regarding your case.
What We've Achieved
Secured equal time-sharing for fathers who had not been allowed to see their children.
Successfully secured supervised time-sharing in custody case where father had a drug problem and mental health issues.
Secured equal parental rights for mother who temporarily lost custody of her child.
Secured equal rights for father where mother denied paternity and gave the child her new boyfriend's last name.
Represented parents in paternity cases involving relocation requests.
Secured long-distance time-sharing for military father in paternity case.
Successfully brought paternity action for father accused of domestic violence.
If you or someone you care about is facing a paternity case, our attorneys can help find an effective strategy.