Oviedo Paternity Attorney
A generation ago, most children lived in traditional, two-parent households. These family units are still quite common today. But a majority of children now live with a parent and step-parent, a single-parent household, with a grandparent, or in another “nontraditional” arrangement. All families face significant struggles. Nontraditional families must overcome some additional financial and emotional hurdles. A paternity action helps them run the race successfully.
At the Troum Law Firm, our Oviedo paternity attorneys understand the struggles which nontraditional families face on a daily basis. So, we work to provide cost effective, long-term solutions which make a significant difference. The beauty of such solutions is that, if circumstances change, they can be modified later as needed.
Benefits of a Paternity Action
Some people put off paternity actions for various reasons. But as mentioned above, these matters have both financial and emotional benefits.
Paternity orders clearly establish child support obligations. That’s good for both obligees and obligors. Obligees get a steady income stream which is fully enforceable under Florida law. Obligors get the peace of mind of knowing that they will get full credit for their payments. Since financial circumstances change frequently, it’s usually best to modify this portion of a paternity award once every two or three years.
Paternity orders also clearly set visitation rules. That’s good for both parents and children. There are no more ad hoc or informal visitation schedules. Everyone knows what to expect next week and next month.
These visitation orders also satisfy some safety concerns. Mothers do not have to worry about fathers showing up unannounced at their homes or workplaces, because visitation orders usually also contain permanent injunctions. As for fathers, only a paternity order establishes a legal parent-child relationship. A signature on a birth certificate is only a presumption, and an administrative order has a limited effect.
What to Expect
Paternity paperwork is public record. But personal information is not public record. If you need to mask your address or other information, accommodations are available. So, do not let worry or fear prevent you from filing a paternity action and missing out on all the benefits available.
Most actions settle out of court. Even if both parents did not sign the birth certificate, there is usually little or no dispute in this area. If one party challenges paternity, a simple and non-invasive DNA swab test is almost absolutely conclusive.
The determination might be black and white. But most provisions in the order are subject to negotiation. That includes things like the amount and terms of parenting time and additional financial assistance, like help with the hospital bill. Florida’s child support guidelines usually determine the amount of child support.
Sometimes, mediation helps parents resolve thorny issues. A third party mediator, who is usually an unaffiliated Oviedo paternity lawyer, works with both sides to try and facilitate a settlement. If both parties negotiate in good faith, mediation is normally successful.
Reach Out to an Experienced Oviedo Paternity Lawyer
Paternity actions have emotional and financial benefits for mothers, fathers, and children. For a consultation with an experienced family law attorney in Oviedo, contact The Troum Law Firm, P.A. We routinely handle matters in Seminole County and nearby jurisdiction.
