Are you wondering what to expect as you face a paternity judgment? Our Kendall family attorney answers some of the most commonly asked questions regarding these cases.
Scroll down to hear Family Attorney Nadja A. Prias explain what to do if you have received a court complaint regarding paternity and the 20-day deadline to file a response has passed.
Family legal matters are rarely simple. These cases are emotionally charged and weigh heavily on all parties involved. As a Kendall family attorney, we work with clients of all backgrounds and have represented many people throughout their legal battles.
If you are facing a paternity judgment, you probably have some valid concerns about what is to come. To help prepare, we have compiled a list of answers to some of the most common legal questions regarding paternity cases.
What is A Paternity Judgement?
In simple terms, a paternity judgment is a judgment of who a child’s legal father is. This judgment typically happens as a result of one or more parties filing a case with their local judge. This is usually based on concerns about the legal and financial obligations of the father.
These judgments are used to determine the parental rights and responsibilities of both parents.
Will There Be A Hearing For My Paternity Judgment?
This will depend on the case. In traditional instances where the parents of a child are already married at the time of birth, paternity is automatically established without any additional legal proceedings. If, however, the parents are not married at the time of the child’s birth, paternity will need to be established to clarify who the child’s legal father is.
A hearing will take place in these situations, or when one or both parents are in disagreement over the validity of paternity.
What Takes Place At A Paternity Hearing?
If the paternity judgment is taken to a court hearing, the judge will allow both parties to testify and present their side of the case. At this point, both parties will be given the opportunity to submit evidence. This may include DNA results, blood tests, or other documentation.
If someone were to deny paternity even after it has been established in court, a judge will usually take further action to reach a resolution. Refusing to accept the outcome of a paternity case, especially when supporting evidence from DNA and blood tests are involved, can result in severe consequences. Some of these consequences include:
- Being held in contempt of court
- Criminal charges and financial penalties
- A court order to pay child support
Casais & Prias Is The Kendall Family Attorney You Need 
We are here to help you through the paternity judgment process. As an experienced Kendall family attorney, you can trust that we have the knowledge and experience needed to represent you.
We have served the Miami area for over ten years and are prepared to guide you through your case. Fill out the form on our website or call us today, and we will help you determine what your next steps should be.
