Category: Family Law
In Florida, a married guy is assumed to be the legal father of their spouse’s kid. As a result, parental rights and obligations are effective immediately. It is possible for a man to disestablish paternity if he discovers later that he is not the child’s biological father, although this is not guaranteed. It might be challenging to disprove paternity. There are particular steps that must be taken. A married man cannot disestablish paternity just because a test indicates he is not the biological father. Florida Law: The Standard for Disestablishing Paternity Under Florida law (Florida Statutes § 742.18), If a… Read More →
Courts and legislatures across the country recognize that parents play an extremely important role in the life of their children. Children who grow up without the presence of one or both parents may require therapy or other interventions in order to overcome the pain and trauma of growing up with one or both parents absent from the home. Recognizing this, state laws (including Florida’s statutes) make it difficult for an adult’s parental rights to be terminated. This does not mean that parental rights are guaranteed, however. In certain cases, courts can terminate a person’s parental rights. The circumstances under which… Read More →
What is dependency? Dependency is a legal process where the Court intervenes to protect children who are suffering abuse, neglect or abandonment, or may at risk for such suffering. Who initiates a dependency case? While “anyone with knowledge” may file a dependency case alleging abuse, in actuality the Florida Department of Children and Families (“DCF”) prosecutes all but a slight fraction of dependency cases brought to court. Can my children be taken from me? Most definitely. When can my children be removed from my care? If the circumstances warrant, upon investigation by a child protection investigator, an action can be… Read More →
Attorney T. Charles Shafer recently received a letter from Martindale-Hubbell®, one of the most respected attorney rating services in the nation. The letter stated that after an extensive and confidential peer review by members of the Bar and the Judiciary, Martindale-Hubbell® was pleased to announce that attorney Shafer received the AV® Preeminent™ rating. This esteemed rating means that attorney Shafer has now joined a select group of attorneys who have been recognized for their legal ability and their professional ethical standards. What are the Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review™ Ratings? The Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings® are an objective indicator of an attorney’s… Read More →