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The Process
Establishing Paternity
Rights & Responsibilities
Disestablishment
Child Support & Timesharing
FAQs
- The Process
- Establishing Paternity
- Rights & Responsibilities
- Disestablishment
- Child Support & Timesharing
- FAQs
Understanding Your Rights and Responsibilities as a Father
Once paternity is established in Florida, fathers gain important legal rights while also accepting significant responsibilities toward their children.
Legal Paternity Creates Both Rights and Obligations
Establishing paternity is more than just confirming biological relationships. It creates a legal framework that defines your role as a father, your access to your child, and your financial obligations. Understanding these rights and responsibilities is crucial for making informed decisions about your family’s future.
Protect Your Financial Future During Divorce
Dividing marital property is one of the most complex and emotionally charged aspects of a divorce. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of assets, safeguarding your financial stability for the years to come.
Timesharing Rights
You have the right to spend meaningful time with your child according to a court-approved parenting plan. This includes regular visits, overnight stays, and participation in your child’s daily activities.
Decision-Making Authority
You have the right to participate in major decisions affecting your child’s life, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities.
Access to Records
You have the right to access your child’s medical, educational, and other important records. Schools and healthcare providers must provide you with information about your child’s well-being.
Communication Rights
You have the right to maintain regular communication with your child through phone calls, video chats, and other means, even during the other parent’s timesharing periods.
Protection from Interference
You have the right to participate in major decisions affecting your child’s life, including education, healthcare, religious upbringing, and extracurricular activities.
Inheritance Rights
Your child gains the right to inherit from you, and you may inherit from your child. This creates important estate planning considerations for your family’s future.
Your Responsibilities as an Established Father
With parental rights come important legal obligations that must be fulfilled.
Financial Support
Pay court-ordered child support according to Florida guidelines
Provide or contribute to health insurance coverage
Share in childcare and extraordinary medical expenses
Maintain life insurance if ordered by the court
Care and Protection
Provide a safe and stable environment during your timesharing
Follow the court-ordered parenting plan and schedule
Make decisions in your child’s best interests
Communicate respectfully with the other parent
Legal Consequences of Not Meeting Your Responsibilities
Failing to fulfill your parental obligations can result in serious legal consequences.
Child Support Violations
- Wage garnishment and asset seizure
- Suspension of driver’s license and professional licenses
- Interception of tax refunds and lottery winnings
- Contempt of court charges and possible jail time
- Damage to credit score and financial standing
Parenting Plan Violations
- Modification of timesharing schedule
- Supervised visitation requirements
- Makeup time for missed visits
- Court-ordered parenting classes
- Potential reduction in parental rights
Protecting Your Rights While Meeting Your Responsibilities
Successfully navigating fatherhood after establishing paternity requires understanding both your rights and obligations. Our experienced attorneys help you create a balanced approach that protects your relationship with your child while ensuring you meet all legal requirements.
Document Everything: Keep detailed records of your timesharing, communications, and support payments.
Follow Court Orders: Strictly adhere to all court-ordered timesharing schedules and support obligations.
Seek Modifications When Needed: If circumstances change, work with an attorney to modify orders legally.
Prioritize Your Child: Make decisions based on your child’s best interests, not personal conflicts.
Get Expert Guidance on Your Paternity Rights and Responsibilities
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a father is crucial for building a strong relationship with your child while protecting your legal interests. Our experienced paternity attorneys are here to guide you through every aspect of your case.