Marquez-Kelly Law

Paternity law is defined as the legal relationship between a father and his biological child or adopted child. It deals with the obligation of a father to a child and a child to a father. Paternity action , on the other hand, is legal action used to establish parental relationship of a father to a child when the parents are unmarried. Only a person with standing can file for paternity action. A person with standing includes 4 main parties; a mother, an alleged father, the child, and/or the state. Although paternity action is done mainly to establish relationship, it can be used for variety of reasons. One possible reason is a father seeking for a custody or visitation rights for his child.  To be awarded with a custody or visitation rights , the alleged father must first prove his relationship with the child to the court. He can submit DNA testing result to confirm his identity as a father. Second possible reason is a mother seeking for child support . I...

Until children are fully capable of supporting themselves, they are under the responsibilities of the parents. However, when unfortunate event takes place, children will be left without someone who will take care of them. This is the time when the state is responsible for the protection and well-being of the children. Guardianship is the process by which the court assigns someone to be the guardian of the child in the absence of the parents . For whatever reasons that the parents cannot personally take care of a minor child , the court must assign someone for the guardianship. Guardianship is best understood when both parents died, thus, living the child with no guardian. However, there are other circumstances when minor guardianship is needed such as domestic violence , drug abuse , incarceration , or physical or mental incapacity of the parents. Securing a safe, healthy, and caring home for a minor is a process protected by federal and state statutes . Under Florid...