Paternity

Jacksonville, FL Attorney Assisting Men and Women To Establish Paternity

In the State of Florida, if the mother is married at the time of birth, the husband is the legal father of the child. However, many women aren't married when their child is born. In these instances, the mother, the father, or both parents may want to establish paternity so that they can press their legal rights with regard to the child through the Florida courts. Jacksonville attorney Joy N. Owenby helps northeastern Florida mothers and fathers prove paternity.

Why should you establish paternity?

If you are a mother in the State of Florida, identifying your child's father gives you the ability to obtain a child support order from the courts. If you are a father, once paternity is established, you will have the legal right to visitation and are able to participate in decisions regarding the child with regards to education, medical treatment, residence, et cetera. In addition, certain work or governmental benefits that may not have been previously available, may now be extended to the legal father's child. After she assists in establishing paternity, attorney Joy Owenby helps her clients with matters regarding:

• Child Support
• Visitation
• Birth Certificate Change
• Name Change
• Shared Custody Agreements

How is paternity established?

In the State of Florida, paternity is established in five ways?

• Marriage: When the parents are married at the time of the birth, paternity is assumed and the child has a legal father.
• Acknowledgement of Paternity: An unmarried couple can sign a document that declares paternity in the hospital when the child is born or even after the birth.
• Administrative Order Based on Genetic Testing: Paternity is ordered if the genetic test proves who the father is.
• Court Order: In some instances, a judge can order paternity in court.
• Legitimation: The mother and father get married after the child is born and update the birth record.

Family law attorney Joy N. Owenby, Esquire assists mothers, fathers, and couples in establishing paternity. If genetic testing is necessary, she can make the arrangements, and if the father is identified, establish paternity through the Florida courts.

Whether you are trying to establish your legal rights as a father, or you are a mother who is attempting to make the father of your child live up to his legal responsibilities, the Owenby Law, LLC can help. To schedule an appointment at our Jacksonville office, call (904) 359-5115.

Joy N. Owenby serves clients who need representation in all family legal matters in Jacksonville, Duval County, Clay County, Nassau County, Saint Johns County, Orange Park, St Augustine, Middleburg, and all areas of northeast Florida.