However, in 2019, National Parents Organization gave Florida a barely satisfactory ranking with its posture on child custody. Jacobs Law Firm, an Orlando father’s rights attorney, will explain your responsibilities.

Unfortunately, unmarried biological fathers can be severely limited with parental rights in Florida. A name on a birth certificate doesn’t establish paternity; a court order does. Unwed couples may have plans to get married or intentions of staying together. However, you want to protect your fathers’ rights as soon as possible. The longer you wait after your child's birth, the more likely you may delay the process. Both parents need to sign an acknowledgment of paternity. This document gets filed in the Florida courts and protects your rights in the future. Contact our fathers rights attorneys in Orlando to help you establish paternity.

If your relationship ends without legal acknowledgment, you may lose some rights. When unwed couples with kids have a bad breakup, things can get ugly. Therefore, unmarried parents, especially fathers, need a child custody lawyer in Florida. A recently single mother can block you from seeing your kids. In toxic relationships, children can be placed in the middle and used as a pawn. These situations you want to avoid because there may be irreparable damage. Schedule a case evaluation with our Orlando child custody lawyers to assist you.

Sometimes, mothers will deny that you’re the biological father. These situations are another legal matter that takes another route. A Petition to Determine Paternity and Related Relief needs to be filed. The Florida courts may order the father to submit to DNA testing. If the mother doesn’t voluntarily acknowledge paternity, this filing can establish it. Our father’s rights attorneys in Orlando can help you petition the courts in this situation. Jacobs Law Firm helps clients in Orange and surrounding counties legally establish paternity.

As your family lawyer Orlando, and as an aggressive lawyer in family l aw Orlando, we will invite you to spend some time together in my office, or at a location convenient for both parties, to discuss the facts of your case and begin preparing for litigation. 

Unmarried mothers can legally deny visitation for any reason in Florida without consequences. Our custody lawyers will work to get you visitation for fathers who want to be in the kids’ lives. You’ll also be financially responsible and will have to pay child support. Unwed fathers are one of Florida's primary reasons for receiving a C+ for child custody. Don’t let your decision not to get married take away your parental rights. Contact Jacobs Law Firm for a consultation in Orlando. Even in a healthy relationship, these legal steps are pertinent for unwed fathers.