If you are not married, but have children and your domestic partnership is about to end, you may need a paternity action to establish a right to custody, visitation and child support. The rules governing paternity actions can be tricky. Whether you are the mother or the father, whether you are trying to show paternity or refute it, you want an experienced attorney who understands the law, who will identify your options and who will provide you with a realistic assessment of your chances of success.

At the Law Office of Rhonda E. Parnell, LLC, in Winter Park, we have over a decade of experience handling family law matters for individuals in the Orlando Metro area. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.

We handle legal matters related to the determination of paternity. We file the paternity action, represent you in hearings before the court and negotiate any paternity agreements that are in your best interests and the best interests of your children.

In Florida, once a paternity action is filed, the alleged father can either admit or deny the allegation. If he admits that he is the father, custody will be determined similar to a traditional divorce proceeding. Florida requires that the parties submit to mediation to try to establish custody and visitation, as well as child support.

If the alleged father contests paternity, the court may order him to submit to a paternity test. As a general rule, the cost of the paternity test will be paid by father. Once your paternity dispute has been resolved, all other matters will be addressed through the traditional divorce process.