Skilled Family Law Counsel
Dedicated to Professional Excellence
Over 35 Years of Trial Experience
Unmarried Parents Lawyer in West Palm
At the Lane Law Firm, P.A., we are deeply concerned about the best interests of our client’s children, and we fight hard to protect the future that they deserve. Our firm is committed to excellence in everything that we do. Your relationship with your children deserves the highest level of protection, and we handle every case with dedication and care.
We recognize that every moment that parents spend with their children is precious, and we utilize our decades of experience to protect those you value most. We are well-respected legal counsel, who have extensive experience handling complex child custody matters. We will guide you through parenting proceedings with integrity, professionalism, and thoughtful attention to detail.
Call us today at: (561) 363-3400, or contact us online , for an appointment with an experienced child custody and visitation attorney. We are located in Wellington, Boca Raton and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
Unmarried Parents - FAQs
Unmarried parents face unique legal challenges regarding custody and visitation in Florida (“time-sharing”). The law treats these cases differently from those involving married couples. Here are some commonly asked questions about the legal framework of this process:
In Florida, the biological mother automatically holds sole legal and physical custody of a child born to unmarried parents. This remains true even if the father’s name appears on the birth certificate. The mother, as the natural guardian, has exclusive rights to make decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare unless the court issues a different order. The father does not have legal custody rights unless he takes steps to establish paternity and obtain court approval.
An unmarried father must establish paternity to gain legal rights over his child. Paternity can be established by signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form, often done at the hospital, or through a court-ordered DNA test if paternity is disputed.
Once legally recognized as the father, he may petition for shared parental responsibility, time-sharing (custody and visitation), and the right to participate in important decisions regarding the child. Simply having his name on the birth certificate does not grant these rights under Florida law.
Florida law requires unmarried parents who wish to share custody or time with their child to submit a parenting plan to the court. The plan outlines how parents will divide responsibilities, including schedules for time-sharing, decision-making authority, and communication methods.
If both parents agree on the plan, the court typically approves it without dispute. If the parents cannot agree, the court will create a plan based on the child’s best interests. The court prioritizes the child’s stability, welfare, and each parent's ability to meet the child’s needs.
Here at the Lane Law Firm, we assist unmarried parents in navigating these complex legal issues. We help establish rights, draft parenting plans, and represent your interests in court. For more information or to schedule a consultation, please contact us. We serve clients in West Palm Beach, Wellington, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
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