If you are told that you’re the father of a child, you may want to ask for a DNA test. A DNA test is accurate around 99% of the time when the samples are untainted and a professional test is performed. There are times when these tests could be inaccurate, which could...
Paternity
Do you have to agree to a DNA test that’s designed to establish paternity?
When a man is told that he is the father of a child, he may not be sure that he really is. In that case, it makes sense for him to request a DNA test to verify if he is or is not related to the baby. Sometimes, men don’t want to be with the mother of that child or...
What does a paternity test entail?
As a father in Florida, you may have to assert your rights if you did not marry the mother of your child before their birth. Married fathers have a presumption of paternity, meaning they are automatically included on the birth certificate. However, fathers not married...
When can a father’s parental rights be terminated in Florida?
You and your child’s father don’t exactly see eye-to-eye, and you’d prefer that they have nothing to do with your child’s upbringing. Can you cut the father out of your child’s life entirely by asking the court to terminate his parental rights? Maybe. The answer to...
Your right to request custody as the father of a child
Breakups can be hard on multiple levels. They're particularly troubling when finances, living arrangements and kids are involved, however. The latter can be even more challenging to cope with if you've never formalized your child's paternity. You may find yourself in...
Having a baby out of wedlock? Establish your rights
As a father to an unborn child with a woman to whom you are not married, it’s important that you establish your rights. You may want to have a DNA test to prove that you’re the father of the child, and that’s fine to do. Until you’re sure you’re the father, waiting to...
Can a child be kept a secret from the father?
In many paternity cases, a man and a woman both know about the pregnancy. The only issue is resolving any questions about paternity. If paternity is in doubt or there may be multiple potential fathers, a paternity test can help determine who has the legal obligation...
Unmarried dads: Begin protecting your parental rights immediately
We live in a modernized world in which not all couples choose to marry before starting a family. However, like married couples, those who remain unwed still experience breakups that can threaten the entire family. When unmarried dads lose access to their children, it...
Fathers can be effective parents, and children need them
When fathers divorce, they often feel like they are forced into a secondary role in their children's lives -- especially when young children are involved. You may feel like it's better for the kids to remain solely with their mother -- or you may believe that the...
Proving your parental prowess can help you win custody
As a father, you may have concerns about seeking custody. In past decades, it was more common to see mothers receive custody. Now, you’re worried about bias against you as a father when it's your turn in court. While bias against fathers is no longer a massive...