Establishing paternity is one of the key ways to maintain a relationship with a child. Due to the legal ramifications involved, there are several ways a father can have or has his paternity established.

Perhaps the easiest and obvious is marriage. Should the man be lawfully married when a child is born, he is automatically presumed to be the father of the child. However, if the parents were not married when the child was born, the father may have the option of requesting that his name be added to the birth certificate of the child.

Should a dispute arise regarding paternity, a father may request the assistance of a judge with a paternity hearing. The judge will evaluate the evidence presented and will then issue a former legally showing who the child’s father is.

While genetic testing may eradicate reasonable doubt about the identity of the father of a child, it may not be the quickest way to determine paternity.

This update is provided by the firm and Miami family law lawyers of Rafool, PLLC. We have a strong reputation throughout Florida and we have numerous years of experience representing clients involved in complex divorce cases as well as other family law matters. Should you have any domestic or family issue, we are here to assist you by providing educated advice and skilled, professional advocacy. Call 305-567-9400 to speak with one of our family law attorneys Miami.

This information is provided for educational or informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice.