A Father Has Rights; We Fight For Them

Establishing paternity as an unmarried father takes extra-legal steps that will allow you custody, visitation and the right to make decisions for your child. A skilled family law attorney can help you maneuver through the legal system, allowing you to continue your role as a parent and build a relationship with your child.

For over two decades, McNelis Law, P.A., in Bartow, Florida, has created a caring, personal and reliable family law practice. She has devoted her practice to helping clients in the central region of the state, where she grew up and continues to live. If you are a father — whether divorced or unmarried — seeking parental rights, Ms. McNelis and her team can help you.

Custody, Visitation And Decision-Making

You deserve to be a part of your child’s life. As a father, you play an important role in raising your child. Ms. McNelis will make sure that the court establishes your parental rights that include:

• Custody: It’s rare that a divorced or unmarried father gets sole custody of a child. However, this may happen if the mother proves to be unfit, resulting in a court order from a judge.
• Shared custody: Equal parenting time with the child’s mother can be proven beneficial for the child.
• Visitation: You want to play a significant role in your child’s upbringing, and it’s crucial that you maintain regular visitation.
• Decision-making: This may include decisions related to health and education.

A skilled attorney who understands the issue of fathers’ rights will prove to be your best advocate. You want to remain relevant in your child’s life. Ms. McNelis and her team are committed to getting results.

Frequently Asked Questions On Paternity And Fathers’ Rights

The following FAQs address common queries fathers have about custody and paternity matters in Florida.

What if the mother of my child is preventing me from seeing them? What can I do?

When a parent interferes with a father’s ability to see their child, the situation should be taken seriously. In Florida, parental access is governed by court orders, not personal disagreements.

If there is already a court-ordered parenting plan in place, denying time-sharing may be a violation of that order. A father in this situation may have several legal options available, including:

• Filing a motion to enforce the existing parenting plan
• Requesting make-up time-sharing
• Asking the court to impose sanctions for repeated violations
• Seeking a modification if interference is ongoing and harmful

If no court order exists, the father may have limited enforceable rights until legal steps are taken. Establishing formal time-sharing through the court is often the first and most important step.

Do fathers have equal rights to mothers in Florida custody cases?

Yes. Florida law does not favor one parent over the other based on gender. Fathers and mothers are evaluated equally when determining parental responsibility and time-sharing.

Courts focus on the best interests of the child. Factors the court may review include:

• Each parent’s ability to provide a stable environment
• The willingness of each parent to support the child’s relationship with the other parent
• The mental and physical health of both parents
• Each parent’s involvement in the child’s daily life

Fathers who are actively involved and prepared to demonstrate their commitment usually receive quality time-sharing rights. However, asserting fathers’ rights in Florida requires proper legal action and a strong presentation of facts.

How long does the paternity establishment process take in Florida?

The timeline for establishing paternity in Florida depends on how the process begins and whether the parties agree. In general, paternity may be established through:

• Voluntary acknowledgment signed by both parents
• Administrative proceedings through the state
• A court action that may include DNA testing

Voluntary acknowledgment is usually the fastest method. Court-based cases take several months, especially if testing, hearings or disputes are involved.

Until paternity is legally established, fathers may have no enforceable custody or time-sharing rights. Working with a Florida paternity lawyer helps avoid delays, protects legal rights and ensures the process is completed correctly.

Prepared To Help, So Call Us Now

You want to play an instrumental role in your child’s life. As a divorced or unmarried father, you have rights that address custody, visitation and decision-making. McNelis Law, P.A., in Bartow, Florida, is an experienced family law firm prepared to advocate for you. Contact us now for a free initial consultation or call us at 863-410-0041.