Paternity Our Small Firm is Big on Service

Fort Walton Beach Paternity Lawyers

Questions about paternity touch the most personal parts of family life. Whether you’re a mother seeking child support or a father working to establish parental rights, you deserve respectful, thorough legal guidance. At Copus & Copus, P.A., we help parents across Fort Walton Beach and the Emerald Coast through paternity matters with calm competence and plainspoken advice. Our lawyers bring over 45 years of combined experience to family law matters, and we treat every case with the careful attention it deserves.

Located in Fort Walton Beach and easily accessible via US-98 and SR-85, we serve clients throughout Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton Counties. Our team is bilingual in English and Spanish, offers virtual consultations, and provides flexible payment plans to make legal help accessible to busy parents.

Call today at (850) 779-3439.

The Paternity Case Intake Process: What to Expect

Taking the first step can feel intimidating. We break the intake and early case process into clear steps so you know what happens next:

Initial Meeting

We begin with a focused conversation about your situation. This includes understanding who’s involved, what you want to achieve (child support, custody/time-sharing, or parental recognition), and any immediate concerns, such as upcoming court dates or enforcement issues. This meeting allows us to map out the most practical path forward.

Document Gathering

We typically request birth records, medical records, proof of income, correspondence, and any prior court orders. If you’re unsure what matters, bring what you have, and our intake team will guide the rest.

DNA Testing Protocol

When biological parentage is in question, an accurate DNA test is the usual next step. We coordinate court-approved testing when needed and explain the chain-of-custody process.

Initial Court Filings

If a petition for paternity or a motion for support is appropriate, we prepare and file the necessary paperwork and serve the involved parties according to Florida procedure. We explain timelines and what to expect at the initial hearings.

Early Case Strategy

Depending on the facts, we may pursue negotiation, mediation, or litigation for parental rights or child support. We’ll discuss likely pathways, trade-offs, and helpful resources.

Paternity and Military Service

Fort Walton Beach’s large military and civilian population creates particular dynamics in paternity and support cases. Families connected to Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field often face relocation or deployment questions that affect custody and support. These filings usually proceed through the Okaloosa County Clerk’s office or nearby family courts. Our familiarity with these local patterns helps us handle logistics efficiently while keeping your needs at the center.

Protecting Parental Rights and Child Support Needs

Paternity decisions affect your legal rights and the daily lives of your children. At Copus & Copus, P.A., we combine the depth of big-firm knowledge with the hands-on attention of a local practice. You’ll work directly with lawyers who listen, explain options in plain language, and communicate promptly. Our approach is rooted in practical experience and human respect.

Call (850) 779-3439 or contact us online today.

Tailored Legal Guidance & Exceptional Service

Delivering tailored, high-caliber legal solutions with client-focused service

Decades of Combined Experience

With nearly 50 years of collective legal experience, our team brings seasoned insight and practical wisdom to every case.
Attentive and Compassionate Guidance
We take the time to listen, return calls promptly, and provide thoughtful, caring support throughout the legal process.
Rooted in the Local Community
As a long-standing Okaloosa County firm, we understand the people, the courts, and the values that shape our community.
Accessible and Approachable Team
Our doors are always open — clients are welcome to stop by anytime, and our team is readily available when needed.
Serving Those Who Serve
We proudly offer military discounts, reflecting our commitment to accessibility and respect for those who serve our country.
Fully Remote Legal Services
We make it easy, with all steps handled virtually. Meet with our estate planning lawyers during a virtual consultation!

Experience You Can Trust. Attention You Deserve.

Contact our local, experienced team today.

We’re here to provide attentive, compassionate guidance and real solutions for your legal needs.

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