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Establishing Paternity in Florida
Legal recognition of fatherhood provides essential rights and protections for both fathers and children under Florida law.
Three Ways to Establish Paternity in Florida
Understanding your options helps you choose the right path for your family’s situation.
Voluntary Acknowledgment
When: At the hospital when the child is born or later at vital records offices.
Requirements: Both parents must sign the form voluntarily and have it notarized.
Effect: Creates a legal presumption of paternity equivalent to a court order.
Important: You have 60 days to rescind this acknowledgment without court proceedings.
Voluntary Acknowledgment
When: Through the Florida Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program.
Requirements: Genetic testing showing 95% or higher probability of paternity.
Effect: Creates an administrative order establishing paternity and child support.
Note: This process is typically used when child support services are involved.
Court Order
When: Court proceedings, potentially including genetic testing.
Requirements: Both parents must sign the form voluntarily and have it notarized.
Effect: Comprehensive court order addressing paternity, timesharing, and support.
Benefit: Most comprehensive option, addressing all parental rights and responsibilities.
Understanding Genetic Testing
When paternity is disputed or needs scientific confirmation, genetic testing provides definitive answers with over 99% accuracy.
Simple Collection Process
Non-invasive cheek swab samples from the alleged father, mother, and child.
Quick Results
Laboratory results typically available within 3–5 business days.
Court-Admissible
Chain of custody maintained for legal proceedings and court acceptance.
Legal Rights and Responsibilities After Establishing Paternity
In Florida, the court’s primary focus is the best interest of the child. We help parents create stable, supportive environments post-divorce.
Father’s Rights
Right to timesharing and overnight visits with the child
Right to participate in major decisions about the child’s welfare
Access to the child’s medical and educational records
Right to object to adoption or relocation
Inheritance rights between father and child
Father’s Responsibilities
Financial support through child support payments
Contribution to healthcare and childcare expenses
Providing health insurance coverage when available
Acting in the child’s best interests in all decisions
Compliance with court-ordered parenting plans
Benefits for the Child
Establishing paternity provides important legal, financial, and emotional benefits that serve the child’s best interests.
Financial Security
Access to child support and potential inheritance rights.
Legal Protection
Legal standing and protection under family law.
Family Identity
Knowledge of family medical history and heritage.
Benefits Access
Social Security, veterans’, and insurance benefits.
Ready to Establish Paternity?
Our experienced attorneys will guide you through the process and protect your rights every step of the way.