Establish Legal Paternity in Florida in the Time of COVID19
If you're an unmarried parent in Florida and you have not considered establishing legal paternity, COVID has been a sad reminder of the importance of doing so. Many unmarried parents, whether living together or not, successfully co-parent and share time with their children without the intervention of a Florida Family Court. But, what if something catastrophic happens to either parent and why does it matter?
Benefits of Establishing Legal Paternity in Florida
As a Tampa Paternity Attorney with over 25 years of experience, establishing legal paternity is usually in the very best interest of a minor child. Without first establishing paternity, the child simply may not be entitled to the benefits that would otherwise be afforded to them should a catastrophic incident occur. In Florida, by default, unmarried mothers have sole custody and parental responsibility of their minor children. So, should the mother to fall ill or pass away prior to the establishment of paternity, the child would not be automatically awarded to the biological father. This is true even if that child has established a relationship with him. If the father passes, the child would not automatically be entitled to the father's insurance benefits or social security benefits if they were applicable. Remember, unless ordered and signed by a Judge, any private agreements between unmarried parents are not legally recognized or enforceable.
Tampa Parental Rights Attorneys on Establishing Paternity
Aside from catastrophic situations, there are many advantages to establishing paternity legally. Once legal paternity is established in Florida your Tampa child custody attorney can motion the courts to (set) order timesharing and child support. Child support will likely be ordered in most cases and in accordance with Florida child support laws.
There may be unique cases when child support is not be ordered, however, in most cases, the mother or father will be ordered to pay support. The purpose of child support is to ensure that the child's financial requirements are met and shared equally between both parents. Judges very rarely will deviate from the formula for calculating child support.
Even though you may have been co-parenting amicably, should situations or attitudes change, legal paternity and court orders for timesharing and support will help to ensure that the rights of the mother and father are protected, but it also aids in keeping the child's best interests at the forefront.
Read: Tampa Father's Parental Rights Attorney
Tampa Mother's Parental Rights Attorney
Contact Tampa Paternity & Child Custody Attorneys
Learn more about establishing legal paternity by visiting our website. Call 813-879-4600 to schedule a consultation with Tampa paternity lawyers Nilo J Sanchez & Associates, or you may leave a secure message on our website.
Website: https://www.divorce-lawyer-tampa.net/
