PATERNITY SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS

A paternity settlement agreement is a contract entered into by two parents.  Such agreement can be designed to completely resolve all of the parents' issues regarding their paternity case.  Conversely, a paternity settlement agreement can also be designed to settle only portions of the parents' issues regarding their paternity case, leaving the remaining issues to be settled later or decided by a judge.

Paternity settlement agreements often resolve disputes related to child custody, parental responsibility, child time-sharing (visitation) and child support.  The parties have flexibiility to resolve their paternity issues in ways a judge, hearing the matter in a contested manner, could not.   

Paternity settlement agreements must be entered into by the parties knowing, freely and voluntarily.  To enter into a paternity settlement agreement knowingly, each party must fully understand the terms of the agreement and must have an accurate understanding of the other parent's financial situation.  Further, there can be no coercion in getting a parent to sign the agreement. 

Orlando family law attorney David A. Faulkner prepares and reviews paternity settlement agreements for clients.  It is important that a paternity settlement agreement be prepared or reviewed by an experienced attorney because the agreement must stand the test of time.  There are a great many variables that must be taken into consideration.  It is best not to sign such an agreement without having an attorney review and explain the consequences of the agreement.  Having a family law lawyer prepare and/or review a paternity settlement agreement increases the likelihood that the agreement will be valid to resolve the paternity related disputes and to govern the parties for the years that follow the conclusion of the paternity case.

If you need a paternity settlement agreement prepared or reviewed, contact Orlando family law attorney David A. Faulkner today.  Attorney Faulkner will be able to prepare or review your paternity settlement agreement so that you can fully understand the agreement's consequences.  Call today!