The Lakeland Florida Final Judgment of Paternity is a legal document that establishes the legal father of a child and outlines various rights and responsibilities associated with parenthood. The final judgment is typically issued by a court after a paternity lawsuit or hearing. Paternity cases are often initiated to establish custody, visitation rights, child support, and determine the father's legal relationship with the child. In Lakeland, Florida, there are different types of Final Judgment of Paternity, each serving a specific purpose based on the circumstances of the case. These include: 1. Voluntary Paternity Acknowledgment: This type of final judgment is typically utilized when both parents voluntarily acknowledge the father's paternity of the child. It is often used when the couple is not married or at the child’s birth. This judgment establishes the father's legal rights and responsibilities, including child support and visitation. 2. Contested Paternity: In cases where the alleged father disputes the paternity claim, a contested paternity judgment is issued. This judgment is typically preceded by a DNA test to establish definitive proof of paternity. Once the court confirms the father's identity, the judgment will outline the rights and obligations of the father. 3. Unmarried Parent Paternity: When the parents are not married at the time of the child's birth, an unmarried parent paternity judgment is necessary to establish the father's legal relationship with the child. This judgment will address custody, visitation rights, and child support. 4. Court-Ordered Paternity: In cases where paternity is not voluntarily acknowledged, one parent may file a lawsuit seeking a court-ordered paternity determination. The final judgment issued in such cases will establish the father's legal relationship with the child, determine custody arrangements, visitation rights, and child support. A Final Judgment of Paternity in Lakeland, Florida is a crucial legal document that provides clarity and legal rights to all parties involved. It helps to establish the child's parentage, ensuring that both parents fulfill their obligations towards the child's welfare and allows for the establishment of custody, visitation, and child support arrangements.