Paternity Lawyers Representing Fathers in Land O’ Lakes, FL

Are you looking to legally establish your parental rights? You’ve come to the right place. The paternity lawyers at the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A., can help you take the steps needed to enforce your rights as your child’s father. We’re a full-service family law firm, and we proudly represent clients in Land O’ Lakes, Florida, and surrounding areas.

Florida’s Process for Establishing Paternity

In Florida, when a child is born to unmarried parents, only the mother is considered to be a natural guardian until the father affirmatively exercises his rights. This is the case even when the father’s name is included on the child’s birth certificate.

Generally speaking, there are two main steps that you’ll need to take to enforce your parental rights:

• Filing a notice with Florida’s Putative Father Registry – This notifies all of the parties that you’re bringing a paternity claim. It also ensures that if any action is filed concerning your child—for example, an adoption petition or a termination of parental rights petition—then you’ll be promptly notified.
• Filing an action for paternity – This involves asking a court to legally establish your rights as your child’s father.

Once you’ve taken these steps, a paternity lawyer can also help you seek parental responsibility (custody) and time-sharing (visitation).

Speak to One of Our Paternity Lawyers

If you need to establish your parental rights, it’s important to act quickly, especially if you think there’s a chance that your child’s mother might place your baby up for adoption. Contact the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A., today and request an initial consultation with one of the paternity lawyers on our team. We have offices in New Port Richey and Palm Harbor, both just a short drive from Land O’ Lakes, FL.