Understanding Paternity Cases Family is what you make it, and it comes in many forms. But that doesn’t mean paternity is irrelevant. For both emotional and financial reasons, it can matter deeply to the child’s mother, their potential father(s), and the child themselves. So what do you do if you suspect your partner gave birth to someone else’s baby? What if the father refuses to acknowledge their child? Or if you suspect a child is yours, but their mother denies it? There are a variety of recourses available to you, and the means of establishing paternity depend on the mother and potential father’s relationship. When a married woman gives birth, the state automatically designates her husband as the father. It’s a common-sense means of declaring paternity, and in the overwhelming majority of cases, it’s accurate. Despite some scary figures you may have heard, a University of Oklahoma study found that less than 2% of fathers confident of their paternity are incorrect. Even among those who requested a paternity test, less than 30% were not the father. Since there are exceptions to every rule, either parent may request a paternity test up until the child’s 18th birthday. But presumed paternity is powerful in Florida. Unless all parties agree, it is not easy to have the mother’s husband declared not
the father. You will need a family law attorney to sort through the complex legal issues and find a resolution.
Establishing biological paternity is more straightforward in cases where the child’s mother is unwed. The parent(s) can establish paternity voluntarily or through the courts. If both parents agree on the child’s father, they can sign legal paperwork to establish paternity. If there is no voluntary acknowledgment, either the mother or the alleged father will need to take the matter to court. Fathers have both rights and obligations, and it’s essential to understand them all before filing a paternity action. You should consult a Florida family law attorney to understand the potential ramifications of a paternity case and discuss your wishes regarding child support and time-sharing. Whether you are the mother or a possible father, we will be glad to review your case and fight for the truth.
Healthier, Lighter Deviled Eggs
Inspired by LiveEatLearn.com
Ingredients
Bruce Law Firm’s Holiday Lunch
• • • •
6 large eggs
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Optional: Hot sauce, to taste
3 tbsp Greek yogurt 1 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp lemon juice
Optional: Paprika and chives, chopped, for garnish
Directions
1. In a large pot, add eggs and cover with water. Put on high heat, and then boil eggs for 10 minutes. 2. Once boiled, peel eggs by gently tapping and removing the shell. (Adding the eggs to an ice bath after boiling can make this task easier.) 3. Cut eggs lengthwise and place yolks into a medium mixing bowl. Set egg white halves open side up on a plate. 4. In a bowl, combine yolks, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, and hot sauce (if desired) until smooth. 5. Transfer the yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Garnish with paprika and chives if desired.
Bruce Law Firm’s Team Meeting
561-810-0170 • 3
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