Paternity Lawyer in Charlotte County

Protecting Parental Rights and Resolving Paternity Matters Across Southwest Florida

At Bogle Law, we understand that paternity issues can be legally complex and emotionally challenging. Whether you’re a mother seeking child support, a father wanting to establish enforceable parental rights, or navigating other legal challenges as an unmarried parent, our experienced team is here to guide you every step of the way. We serve clients across Southwest Florida, including Charlotte County, Sarasota County, Lee County, and Desoto County.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity is the legal recognition of a child's biological father. In Florida, establishing paternity is essential for clarifying parental rights and responsibilities. This legal process ensures that both parents contribute to the child’s well-being, whether financially, emotionally, or otherwise.

Why Consider Establishing Paternity?

Establishing paternity benefits all parties involved:

• For Mothers: Provides Court-Enforced agreements, the legal framework to secure financial support and a consistent timesharing schedule. 
• For Fathers: Grants legal parental rights, including custody and time-sharing, and fosters a meaningful relationship with your child.
• For Children: Ensures emotional security, a relationship with both parents, inheritance rights, access to both parents' medical histories, consistency in life, and eligibility for benefits like health insurance and Social Security.

Steps to Establish Paternity in Florida

1. File a Petition to Establish Paternity:
   Either parent may initiate the legal process by filing a petition with the court. This step formally begins the legal process to determine and establish paternity.
2. Acknowledgment of Paternity:
   Both parents may also sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity so long as it complies with the Florida Statutes. This legally establishes paternity without the need for further legal proceedings. When this step is used, both parties agree on the child’s parentage. The remaining issues are parental responsibility, timesharing, and child support. These remaining issues may need Court involvement.
3. DNA Testing (If Paternity Is Disputed):
   • If the father fails to acknowledge paternity or disputes it, the court may order DNA or blood testing to determine biological parentage.
   • Fathers may also request DNA testing to confirm their biological relationship to the child. These tests are highly accurate and often serve as the basis for legal decisions.
4. Fact Finding (discovery) & Mediation:
   Before proceeding to trial, the Court will require the parties to complete Financial Disclosures and the parties have the right to engage in discovery (fact-finding) prior to mediation or Trial. If the parties can’t agree on a Parenting Plan and Child Support then  the Court  may require both parties to participate in Court- Ordered mediation. This process aims to resolve disputes amicably, addressing timesharing, parental responsibility, and child support issues.
5. Settlement or Trial:
   • Settlement: The parents may settle/resolve the case at any time. If an agreement is reached before, during, or after mediation, the court will likely approve the settlement and finalize the paternity case.
   • Trial: If mediation fails and the parties cannot come to an agreement, the case proceeds to trial. At trial, the court will make a binding determination regarding paternity, parental responsibility, timesharing, and child support based on admissible evidence and testimony.

Additional Legal Considerations for Unmarried Parents

While paternity cases focus on parental rights and responsibilities, unmarried parents may face other legal challenges, such as property disputes. For example, if both parents purchased a home together without being married, property ownership would not be governed by the paternity statues and may require separate legal action.

At Bogle Law, we are equipped to address these complexities and provide comprehensive legal guidance to protect your rights in every aspect of your case.

Why Choose Bogle Law for Your Paternity Case?

Navigating Florida’s paternity laws can be overwhelming, but our experienced team offers the support and expertise you need:

• Proven Results:
  With decades of experience in family law, we help you develop personalized strategies tailored to your unique situation.
• Local Knowledge:
  Our familiarity with the Charlotte, Lee, Desoto, and Sarasota County legal landscape ensures efficient navigation of local courts and resources.
• Comprehensive Support:
  We don’t just handle paternity cases—we address the full scope of legal issues affecting unmarried parents, from custody to property disputes.
• Compassionate Representation:
  We understand the importance of family, and the emotional stakes. We are a team committed to securing the best outcome for you and your family.

FAQs About Paternity in Florida

Q: How long does the paternity process take?
A: The timeline varies but is typically several months up to one year, depending on court availability and the complexity of the case.

Q: Can paternity be established if the child is over 18?
A: Yes, but the process focuses on issues like inheritance and medical history rather than custody or child support.

Q: What happens if the alleged father refuses DNA testing?
A: The court can enforce a testing order or make a determination based on other evidence presented. 

Q: Can either parent file for paternity? 

A: Yes, Either the mother or father may file for an establishment of paternity. 

Contact Us Today

If you’re navigating paternity issues or related challenges in Southwest Florida, let Bogle Law guide you through the process with experience and compassion.

Call us today at 941 505 2645 to schedule a consultation.
Visit our offices in Punta Gorda and North Port to discuss your case in person.

We proudly serve Charlotte County, Sarasota County, Desoto County, Lee County and surrounding areas.