At the Law Office of Lobb & Mohr, we regularly assist parents in establishing paternity in Florida and understand that the process can feel both unfamiliar and overwhelming—especially for parents who were never married. Establishing paternity is the legal foundation for defining each parent’s rights and responsibilities. Whether you are a mother seeking support or a father seeking involvement in your child’s life, we guide you through each step with a focus on clarity, efficiency, and long-term stability for your family.
In Florida, a paternity action does more than simply identify the legal father of a child. In the same case, the court has the authority to establish parental responsibility, approve a detailed parenting plan, and determine child support. We help clients take advantage of this comprehensive process by developing a strategy that addresses all of these issues together, rather than piecemeal. This ensures that your rights as a parent are fully defined and enforceable from the outset.
Our firm works closely with clients to craft parenting plans that are tailored to their specific circumstances while aligning with Florida’s “best interests of the child” standard. We incorporate the same practical, courtroom-tested approach we use in dissolution cases—focusing on realistic time-sharing schedules, clear decision-making authority, and provisions that reduce conflict. By doing so, we help ensure that the final order is not only legally sound but also workable in everyday life.
We also guide clients through the financial aspects of a paternity case, including the calculation and establishment of child support under Florida law. This includes evaluating income, health insurance, childcare costs, and other statutory factors to ensure that support is calculated accurately and fairly. Just as importantly, we ensure that all financial obligations are clearly defined in a court order so they can be properly enforced if necessary.
It is important for parents to understand the distinction between a court-filed paternity action and cases initiated administratively through the State of Florida, often by the Department of Revenue Child Support Program. Administrative proceedings are typically limited to establishing and enforcing child support obligations. They do not create enforceable parenting plans or address time-sharing and parental responsibility. As a result, parents who rely solely on the administrative process may find themselves without legally enforceable rights regarding custody or visitation.
For that reason, we often advise clients to pursue a court action when parenting time and decision-making authority are important—which, in most cases, they are. Our role is to help you secure a complete and enforceable resolution that protects both your parental rights and your child’s best interests. By combining legal knowledge with real-world experience of how judges handle these cases, we help position our clients for outcomes that are both fair and durable.
At the Law Office of Lobb & Mohr, we help clients approach prenuptial agreements with the same care and strategy as any other significant legal and financial decision. A properly drafted prenuptial agreement is not about anticipating failure—it is about creating clarity, protecting assets, and reducing uncertainty. We work closely with clients to understand their financial picture, future goals, and concerns, and then craft agreements that are both enforceable under Florida law and practical for real-world application.
Florida prenuptial agreements are governed by Florida Statute § 61.079, also known as the Uniform Premarital Agreement Act. Under this statute, a valid prenup must be in writing and signed by both parties, and it becomes effective upon marriage. We ensure that every agreement we prepare strictly complies with these formalities so that it will withstand scrutiny if later challenged. Just as importantly, we guide clients through the process in a way that avoids common mistakes that can render an agreement unenforceable.
One of the most critical aspects of a valid prenuptial agreement is full and fair financial disclosure. Under Florida Statute § 61.079, an agreement may be set aside if it was the product of fraud, duress, coercion, or if one party did not receive adequate disclosure of the other’s financial circumstances. Based on our experience, this is where many agreements fail. We help clients document assets, liabilities, and income thoroughly and transparently to minimize the risk of future litigation.
A well-drafted prenuptial agreement can address a wide range of financial issues. Florida law expressly allows parties to define their rights and obligations regarding property, determine how assets will be divided in the event of divorce or death, and even establish, modify, or waive spousal support. However, there are limits—most notably, a prenup cannot adversely affect a child’s right to support. We ensure that each agreement is comprehensive while remaining compliant with Florida’s public policy requirements.
Beyond the legal requirements, we focus heavily on avoiding the practical pitfalls we see in litigation. Agreements that are rushed, one-sided, or signed too close to the wedding are often challenged. We counsel clients on timing, independent legal representation, and balanced drafting so that the agreement is not only enforceable, but also defensible in court. Our experience trying cases gives us insight into how judges evaluate these agreements when enforcement is contested.
Ultimately, our goal is to create prenuptial agreements that provide certainty and peace of mind. By combining a thorough understanding of Florida Statute § 61.079 with years of courtroom experience, we help clients put agreements in place that protect their interests while reducing the likelihood of future disputes. Whether you are entering a marriage with significant assets, business interests, or simply want clarity moving forward, we guide you through the process with a focus on long-term stability and enforceability.
