When unmarried individuals have a child together, a Paternity action is necessary to establish the Father’s legal rights. Additionally, as part of a Paternity action, the Courts will require that a Parenting Plan be established.
At Anton Garcia Law, our Tampa Family Law Attorneys are experienced in handling Paternity cases as well as the many components that it entails.
You do not need to face these life-impacting decisions alone.
Our skilled lawyers are here to help.
Components of a Paternity Case
- Establishment of Paternity
- Implementing a Parenting Plan that Includes Timesharing and Parental Responsibility
When Should You File For Paternity?
Anytime you are not married and engage in relations with someone that results in a pregnancy, you should think about Petitioning for Paternity. Until a Paternity order is entered by the courts, a Mother is presumed to be the natural guardian of the child.
Parenting Plans
As part of a Paternity action, the courts will establish a Parenting Plan. A Parenting Plan, amongst other things, describes in detail how each parent will participate in the upbringing of the parties’ child. A Timesharing schedule is a key component of a Parenting Plan, which sets forth which days each parent gets to spend with the child. Additionally, the Parenting Plan will allocate Parental Responsibility, that will govern what decision-making authority each parent has when it comes to making major life decisions for the child. The court takes many factors into consideration when creating these plans. However, no Parenting Plan will be enforced unless it is found to be in the “Best Interests” of the child.
We Are Here to Help Protect Your Rights as a Father
Reach out to us today and find out how you can protect your rights as a Father, and begin preparing for your child’s future. Our team of experienced Family Law attorneys will be with you every step of the way as you enter this new chapter of life. We know supporting your children is very important to you, and we will work diligently and tenaciously when it comes to your Paternity action.
Call the Tampa paternity lawyers at Anton Garcia Law at (813) 907-9807.
Confidential Consultation