Parental Rights For Unmarried Couples

In Florida, when an unmarried woman gives birth, an unmarried father has no parental rights, or legal responsibility for the child, until paternity has been established. In many cases, both parents agree on the identity of the father, and the father voluntarily accepts parental rights and responsibilities. If either side disputes paternity, however, court intervention may be necessary to order genetic testing to confirm the biological relationship.

Paternity cases are important to moms and dads alike. For mothers, it can pave the way for obtaining financial support for the benefit of the child. For fathers, it can be the catalyst for establishing the right to be a part of the child’s life.

Time Sharing And Child Support

In Florida, child custody is called time sharing. As long as paternity has been established, unmarried mothers and fathers have the same time-sharing rights to their children as divorcing couples.

Child support for both unmarried and divorcing couples is governed by the Florida Child Support Guidelines. As long as paternity has been established, unmarried parents can petition the court for an appropriate order of child support, just as divorcing couples would.

How We Can Help

If you are an unmarried mother or father, the best way to learn about your parental rights is to speak with an experienced lawyer. For more than 40 years, Cauthen, Oldham & Associates, P.A., has represented both married and unmarried mothers and fathers in paternity, custodial, child support and many other family law matters throughout central Florida. We understand the concerns you face, and we can help you protect what matters most.

Contact A Tavares Paternity Attorney

To learn more about parental rights for unmarried couples in Lake County and throughout central Florida, call Cauthen, Oldham & Associates, P.A., at 352-508-4175 or toll free at 888-801-1678. You can also contact us by email. We look forward to speaking with you.