Paternity means the legal father-child relationship. At the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq., we fully understand the legal process and the importance of establishing paternity, both for mothers and fathers. We handle paternity cases from beginning to end: drafting all the paperwork and advising and representing our clients in court.
We work with mothers who want to establish paternity to secure child support, as well as fathers who need to establish paternity to secure their custody and visitation rights. Afterward, we help parents establish visitation and parenting schedules that work and benefit their children.
For a free consultation with a lawyer who understands parentage law and will work hard to accomplish your goals in a paternity action, contact the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq. today.
Establishing Paternity: For Mothers Seeking Child Support
Mothers have two options in seeking child support from their children's fathers. One, they can seek child support enforcement through the Department of Revenue. However, this agency has no authority to do anything about custody or visitation.
The other option is to file a paternity suit, also called a paternity action, to force a paternity test. With this a mother can prove that the father is the child's biological father, establish the father's child support obligation, as well as resolve custody and visitation rights.
Protect Your Rights: For Fathers Who Need to Establish Paternity
Some fathers may need to establish their parental rights to see their children. Other fathers may have had child support obligations established through the Department of Revenue, but now they want to legally establish their rights to visitation or custody.
The Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq. helps fathers file paternity actions to help protect their fathers' rights. Once a father starts a paternity action, he has rights and a mother is not allowed to leave the state with the children. If you fear your ex wants to relocate out of state and take the kids, filing a paternity suit can prevent her from relocating before you have a chance to establish your parental rights to custody and visitation.
Paternity - Mother - Filing a Paternity Action
Paternity test is not automatic; it is only ordered if the father contests that he is the biological father. If he admits to being the father, no test will be ordered. If you have ANY reason to think you may not be the father, call us immediately.
Time is critical in filing a paternity action! If your ex is out of state for a considerable time, you will seriously jeopardize your rights and your chance at having a successful action. Call the Orlando Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq. today at 407-677-4644.
Non-Paternity
Sometimes, the Department of Revenue will start a child support action against a man who is not the child's father, even if he has DNA test proof. Under a recent Florida law, men can now file a petition for non-paternity (Also known as Disestablishment of Paternity or Termination of Child Support Obligation - Fla. Stat. 742.18). Even if you just found recent evidence that you are not the child's father, lead attorney Maximilian Smith can help you file for non-paternity status.
If you need help in establishing paternity or are in a paternity action dispute, contact the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq. today for a free consultation.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Paternity
At the Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq., in Winter Park, Florida, we practice criminal defense, family law, and probate. We serve clients from Orlando, Pine Hills, Fairview Shores, Lockhart, Eatonville, Maitland, Fern Park, Altamonte Springs, Jamestown, Goldenrod, Aloma, Union Park, Azalea Park, Casselberry, St. Cloud, Kissimmee, and Longwood. Our legal team practices in Orange County, Seminole County, Osceola County, Lake County, and Volusia County.
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Law Office of Maximilian Smith, Esq.
2431 Aloma Avenue, Suite 120
Winter Park, Florida (FL) 32792
Phone 407-677-4644
Fax 407-249-5791
Email
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The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask us to send you free written information about our qualifications and experience.
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