As one of daytime TV’s longest running talk shows, The Maury Povich Show has been on the air since 1991. On just about any given day – or everyday-, you can tune in to watch one of Maury’s iconic DNA paternity test shows. In most cases, the scenarios are always the same; two star crossed lovers come together and have a child out of wedlock. Then as the expenses quickly begin to mount for the mother, she needs support from the father and desires to have him in the child’s life.
While some fathers quickly consent and begin their fatherly duties, Maury’s guests are usually less than willing to take responsibility for a child they do not believe is theirs. As a result, millions of viewers stay glued to the TV patiently waiting for Maury to reveal the results and say, “You ARE NOT the Father.” The drama makes for excellent TV, no doubt. However, there is more to the show than what meets the eye. Continue reading to learn the real lessons Maury Povich teaches about paternity tests and family law in Florida.
While Maury Povich makes for entertaining television, the numbers suggest he will have no shortage of guests anytime soon. Since the late 70s through the 80s, the birth rate for unmarried women in the United States has been on a steady climb. In 2007, births to unmarried woman totaled 1,714,643, which was a 26% increase over 2002. Almost 4 out of every 10 births in the U.S. in 2007 were to unmarried women. The following figures represent the 2007 percentages of nonmarital births:
Today, one of the most common cases dealt with by Tallahassee family law attorneys are legitimation or paternity test cases. Like Maury Povich, these tests are typically where a mother (but sometimes a father) decides to legally set parental rights for a child. Once the paternity test confirms whether the man is the father, the court declares the man to be the biological and legal father of the child.
Paternity tests become especially important when the father isn’t named on the birth certificate. As a result, when the child starts school or if the child is hospitalized, the father isn’t allowed parental privileges. Another scenario is if the father were to die and leave money or property for heirs, the child may not inherit anything. In any case, it’s important to establish legal and biological paternal custody of a child.
Initially, child support plans and informal visitation agreements may work. However, over time these informal agreements can cause difficulties. In the end, these types of informal agreements can lead to the loss of parenting rights. When you choose to work with the premier team of Tallahassee attorneys at FNW Law Office, we will discuss your unique circumstances and goals. Then we will help you resolve your case as quickly and amicably as possible. At FNW Law Office we can help you with the following paternity matters:
This website is designed for general information only. The information presented should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results afford no guarantee of future results. Every case is different and must be judged on its own merits.
