Paternity & Unmarried Parents' Issues

A Personal St. Petersburg Paternity Lawyer

In Florida, a paternity case is similar to a divorce case without property or alimony issues. Unmarried parents deal with the same child custody, visitation and child support issues as married parents who divorce.

At the law firm of Christina L. Sandvoss P.A. in St. Petersburg, I represent both mothers who want child support payments, as well as fathers who want to have regular visits with their child.

If paternity is disputed in Florida, it will be determined by a DNA test.

Florida Child Support Guidelines

In Florida, a father's child support payments are based on his net income. Both parents must contribute to health care and day care expenses. Once both parents provide financial affidavits and mandatory disclosure, child support is calculated by Florida Statute.

Fathers' Rights in Paternity Cases

If you are listed on your child's birth certificate as the father, it doesn't mean you have legal custody or visitation rights. Only a court can give custody and visitation rights to an unmarried father.

Legal custody refers to the right to share in making important decisions concerning your child, such as decisions about your child's education, religious practice and medical care.

Florida Paternity Registry

Florida recently established a paternity registry. If you have sex with a woman in Florida, you can register in order to establish your parental rights should the woman become pregnant.

If you are or could be an unwed father, you need to file with the registry to protect your custody and visitation rights. If you don't register, you could lose your parental rights if the mother puts the child up for adoption.

Attorney Consultation

To discuss your paternity case with me, attorney Christina Sandvoss, call 727-498-4418, 813-699-5442 or fill out my simple contact form.