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19235 Biscayne
Boulevard, Suite 105
Miami, FL 33180
Toll Free: 800-733-5299
Phone: 305-933-9592
Fax: 305-933-8575
Paternity Actions
Miami Paternity Action Lawyer
Child support and child custody issues can arise whether or not the parents are married. In Florida, all children have a right to be supported by both parents. Unmarried fathers also have the right to see their children.
I am Theodore Enfield, a family law attorney in Miami. I have more than 29 years of experience in guiding unmarried parents through the legal process of establishing paternity, ordering child support and obtaining parenting time. I represent both fathers and mothers.
Establishing paternity
In Florida, the first step to obtain child support or visitation when the parents are unmarried is an action to establish paternity. If the parents do not agree who the father is, paternity is established through a DNA test.
A paternity action can also be used to disestablish paternity and stop child support payments if you are not the child's father.
Child support for unmarried parents
Once paternity is established, the father is responsible for paying child support retroactive to the birth of the child. Child support payments are calculated using a statutory formula that considers the income of both parents and the number of children.
Visitation for unmarried fathers
Many unmarried fathers find themselves in the position where the mom arbitrarily denies visitation. Through a court-ordered parenting plan, you can have visitation according to a regular schedule that allows you to maintain a relationship with your child.
If the mother does not provide visitation in accordance with the order, she can be found in contempt of court. The mother may also be ordered to pay reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.
Free consultation with a Florida lawyer
For a free consultation about paternity actions and paternity rights by telephone, call Miami attorney Theodore Enfield at 305-933-9592 or 1-800-733-5299 or fill out the contact form on this Web site.