Relocating without First Establishing Paternity

If you are a mother of a child who was born out of wedlock and you relocate outside the state of Florida prior to a legal action being filed, the Father of the child can file a Petition to Establish Paternity with a request for relief that includes returning the child to Florida within six months of removing the child. So, just when you thought that taking that fantastic job out of the court’s jurisdiction was a great idea, there is a possibility that the courts may in fact order that the child be returned to the jurisdiction where he or she was born or where you last resided. This is not what you had planned. But, not abiding by the court’s order can further complicate matters, especially if an order for enforcement and contempt is issued.

 

Avoiding High Conflict Paternity Matters in Tampa Bay

“The very best way to avoid high conflict paternity matters is to legally establish paternity as soon as possible.”

When there are minor children involved in a divorce or family law matter, things can become contentious between parents. This is especially true when boundaries and parental responsibilities have not been legally established or practiced. This is why that in most cases, establishing legal paternity as early as possible can be helpful. To find out if this is the right course for you to take, consult with a Tampa Paternity Lawyer. Hiring the best child custody lawyer in Tampa Florida for you, will be beneficial.

 

Read: How to Legally Establish Paternity in Florida.

There are many benefits to legally establishing paternity in Florida. Although it may not seem necessary at first, establishing paternity can be the best defense to avoiding future conflicts between unmarried parents. You may have an amicable relationship with the other parent, who would NEVER do anything to disrupt timeshare or support— until they do. Without a court order, your only option is to establish paternity. Without an order, you cannot enforce timesharing or child support simply on a verbal promise.

 

Best Interest of the Children 

Children of parents who delay establishing paternity can struggle when they finally do have timesharing. This is especially true if contact has been delayed, interrupted or has been non-existent. Bonding early on with your biological children combined with trying to establish healthy co-parenting relationships is most always in the best interest of the child.

Other Benefits Derived from Establishing Legal Paternity

Aside from establishing a bond with both parents, there are other benefits that the child can enjoy once paternity is established legally in Florida. We’ve listed just a few reasons to establish paternity below:

• Access to Medical history of both parents
• Social Security Benefits
• Veteran Benefits
• Financial Support (Child Support)
• Insurance Benefits

Tampa Family Law Attorney Nilo J. Sanchez & Associates

If you would like a consultation with Tampa Family Law Attorneys Nilo J. Sanchez & Associates, please call us directly or message us below. Attorney Sanchez is a top-rated Family Law Attorney with nearly 26 years of experience representing clients in child custody, timeshare and parental relocation and paternity cases. If you need to establish paternity or if you have already established paternity and need legal counsel and representation in a parental relocation case in Pasco County, Hillsborough or Pinellas County, Attorney Sanchez works in multiple jurisdictions to serve clients throughout Tampa Bay, Florida.

Please leave us a message or call 813-879-4600 for a consultation.