Tampa Child Custody Lawyers on Florida Legal Custody Rights and Unmarried Parents

In Florida when children are born to married couples, the father of the child is presumed to be the husband. But, what are the legal custody rights of unmarried fathers? In Florida an unmarried father has no legal rights to custody or timesharing until paternity is established. Until paternity is legally established with the courts, the mother has sole, legal and physical custody of the child or children.

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Update Florida Family Law News! HB755 Unwed Fathers Gain Equal Parental Rights

Wondering how HB 1301 will effect timesharing and custody cases in Tampa Bay? VIDEO: How new Florida law will effect timesharing and custody in Tampa Bay and Florida as of July 1, 2023.

Custody Attorneys Tampa – Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco County, FL

Whether you need to establish legal paternity or file for emergency child custody,  Nilo J Sanchez & Associates has 30 plus years of experience fighting for parental rights in Tampa Bay representing parents in multiple Tampa Bay Jurisdictions. Follow the links below or reach out to us for information or to schedule an affordable family law consultation.

• Child Custody Tampa, Florida
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Every situation is very unique, and Attorney Sanchez provides his clients with compassionate, knowledgeable and aggressive representation. As top-rated Tampa Child Custody lawyers, Mr. Sanchez & Associates have the experience and longevity to navigate difficult custody cases. This is particularly beneficial for those who wish to exert their parental rights. For information or to schedule an affordable family law consultation in Tampa with Nilo J Sanchez & Associates, call 813-879-4600 or send us a secure message below.

• Florida Family Law to Change for Unwed Fathers : April 2023 Passed unanimously in the House, senators also voted with identical support for HB 775.   Expected to be signed into law,  unwed fathers will gain the same parental rights mothers receive upon a child’s birth beginning July 1st, 2023.
  

  Unwed Fathers in Florida Gain Equal Parental Rights Upon Birth of Child

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• Child Custody Attorneys in Tampa Bay
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Watch: Tampa Child Custody Attorney on Parenting Plans, Decision Making Authority, Timesharing

Single Mother’s Rights and Sole Custody

In Florida, the law states that both parents must provide financial support for their children. Financial support from the father may not be a pressing issue for some single moms, and so they do not act to establish paternity and have no court ordered obligation to offer timesharing to the father of the child. But, what happens when the father decides to pursue a relationship with the minor child? Florida does not have a presumption rule for 50/50 custody, however, if the father proceeds and establishes legal paternity, the father may be awarded shared parental responsibility and 50/50 timesharing.
! Important Update: HB755 Unwed Fathers Gain Equal Parental Rights

Protecting Your Parental Rights Under Florida Law

Each paternity matter is unique and if you are a single mom and have questions about establishing paternity sooner, rather than paternity being established at a later date, you should consult with a child custody attorney. If you have been served with a Petition to establish legal paternity by the father of your child in Hillsborough, Pasco or Pinellas County, Florida, it is recommended that you retain an attorney to represent you and to protect your rights under Florida Law.

Unmarried Father’s and Your Parental Rights

If you are unmarried in Tampa Bay and you have not yet established paternity you have no legal rights to custody or timesharing with your minor child. If you are unmarried, and you will soon become a father, you may wish to consult with an attorney prior to the child’s birth and before signing the birth certificate. This may sound harsh, but in doing so you are simply ensuring your that your rights are protected going forward. Why might this be an important first step? In Florida, you are entitled to petition the courts to establish legal paternity.  However, if you sign the birth certificate when a child is born and you are unmarried, if for some reason you discover that you are not the biological father, you can still be held financially responsible until paternity is disestablished.

Best Interest of Children

Father’s and mothers both play a pivotal and important role in a child’s life. Although there are many times where a parent’s behavior may not be conducive to the best interest of the child, the courts will look favorably on a father who wishes to pursue a meaningful relationship with their child. This means that you will be ready to financially contribute to the support of your child, and will have a court order that protects your rights to timesharing and custody. Remember, non payment of child support is a serious matter, but non-payment of child support is not a reason for the mother to withhold timesharing once a timesharing order has been entered.

Violating Parenting Plans in Florida

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