Panama City Paternity Lawyers
Paternity Actions In Florida
When a married couple has a child, both parents have a legal obligation to that child. However, for couples who are not married and have a child, there is no legal assumption of who the father is. As a result of this, the man is not bound to pay child support. At the same time, he will not be able to appeal for visitation, custody, or joint parental roles. Regardless of whether you are the mother or father, The Virga Law Firm, P.A. can help you take the necessary steps to solidify paternity and resolve any legal issues.
Establishing paternity offers numerous benefits:
- For fathers: You may be able to gain custody or visitation rights, form a bond with your child, and have a say in certain decisions such as healthcare, education, and more.
- For mothers: You may be able to seek support for the child. You can also allow your child to form a bond with his or her father.
As experienced paternity lawyers in Panama City, we have handled countless paternity cases. Our firm fully understands that determining the identity of the father is a trying time, particularly since the child's future can be at stake. That is why we are here to guide you through this process.
Schedule a case review with a seasoned paternity lawyer today!
Determining Paternity For Child Support
At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., clients will find solid counsel as they navigate paternity and child support matters. We can represent you through the entire process, starting by helping you file a petition in the family law court.
This petition will request that a judge legally recognize the man you believe to be the father. This petition will then be communicated to the father, at which time he will have 20 days to respond. If the father does not answer the notice, our office will file a second petition. This would allow for your appeal to be settled at a final hearing.
If the alleged father challenges the petition, our office can ask for DNA testing to be administered. The test would solidify the identity of the father, and establish irrefutable evidence. After the testing, you could begin to collect child support payments to ensure the child's future is secure.
Fathers, Child Custody & Paternity Actions
By filing a paternity action as a father, you are requesting the right to be involved in the child's life. You will not be able to retain custody of the child or visitation rights until you prove that you are their biological father. In addition to custody, you can appeal for shared responsibility, which would give you a say in schooling choices, religion preferences, and medical treatment. We understand that you want to be a foundational part of your child's life and our team will do everything we can to make sure your rights are represented when you hire our firm.
Filing a paternity action can be an extremely difficult time. That is why it is imperative that you get the counsel of an experienced paternity lawyer on your side. At The Virga Law Firm, P.A., you will get empathetic service, aggressive representation, and a vast understanding of the court system, enabling you to confidently file your paternity action.
Call us today at (800) 822-5170 to request an initial consultation.
Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
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OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
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Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
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We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
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ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
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Community StewardshipWe embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.
Meet Your Attorneys
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