Jacksonville Paternity Attorney
Northeast Florida Paternity Lawyer
If a person is not married, but has a child, a paternity action may become necessary to establish their right to visitation, custody, or child support. At Ellerin Hutchinson, we help both mothers and fathers who are either trying to prove paternity or refute it. No matter which side you are on, you can benefit from having an experienced Jacksonville family lawyer to guide you through the process of a paternity action. As with all othe legal actions, paternity actions can be complex so it helps to have legal support and guidance from a professional.
Jacksonville paternity attorney Scott R. Ellerin handles all legal matters surrounding the determination of paternity, including:
Paternity Actions in Florida
Located in Jacksonville, Florida, Ellerin Hutchinson provides representation for clients in paternity cases throughout Northeast Florida, including Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, St. Johns, Putnam and Alachua counties. When you are faced with the emotional and sometimes complicated challenge of a paternity action, you need a lawyer who is compassionate and committed to fully understanding your individual circumstances. Jacksonville paternity attorney Scott R. Ellerin is dedicated to protecting the rights of his clients in paternity cases.
Paternity, as defined by law, is the legal recognition of a man’s relationship as a parent, between himself and a child. This includes his duties, rights and responsibilities to that child. When a child is born out of wedlock, that child does not automatically have a legal father without a paternity action to ascertain the identity of the father. When a child is born to a married woman, that child is presumed to have been fathered by her husband and as the presumed father of the child, her husband is assigned certain duties and responsibilities by law. But when there is cause for doubt as to the true biological father, a paternity action may be initiated by any of the parties involved.
Legal Paternity in Jacksonville, Florida
A legal paternity action can be brought by either the mother or the father. This may be regarding a child born out of wedlock or in any situation where the paternity of the child is in question, including after a divorce settlement. Various methods of establishing paternity exist using DNA testing.
It is important to establish paternity for a number of reasons, including:
- Obtaining child support
- Being released from court-ordered child support for a child that is not your own
- Determining child custody (“ parenting plan”)
- Obtaining a visitation schedule so you may be involved in the raising of your child
- Parental health history as an important piece of information for your child’s future health issues
Dealing with the highly emotional issue of paternity and arriving at a successful outcome requires the help of an attorney who has knowledge of the complex laws, patience, and an unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of his client. Jacksonville paternity lawyer Scott Ellerin is dedicated to providing the kind of guidance that is needed to achieve the best possible outcome for those who he represents.
Whether you are a mother seeking support for your child, or a father who needs to establish your parental rights and visitation schedule, contact Jacksonville paternity lawyer Scott R. Ellerin today!