
How to Establish Paternity in Florida
Supporting Florida Families Seeking Paternity
Our Florida paternity lawyers are experts in Florida paternity law. Below are some key points to consider when you are thinking about a paternity case.
No, the signing of a birth certificate does not establish the rights of a father. The signing of a birth certificate merely establishes a presumption that the man who signed is the father.
However, a Petition to Establish Paternity must be filed to create or establish the parental rights of the father.
To establish paternity you (either the mother or father) can file a Petition to Establish Paternity with the court.
Likewise, in order to file an action in Florida, the Petitioner must be a resident of the State of Florida for at least 6 months prior to filing.
In the Petition, you will request that paternity be determined by the Court. Furthermore, the following issues can be addressed: child support, health and medical insurance, visitation, and time sharing and parenting plans pursuant to Florida law.
Either the mother or father may file a Petition to Establish Paternity. In addition, anyone who believes himself to be the father may file.
If paternity has not been established and the child’s guardian or mother requests government assistance for the child (i.e. Medicaid), the State of Florida Department of Revenue may file a Petition to Establish Paternity for purposes of child support.
In addition, the petition by the Florida Department of Revenue can include any and all possible fathers of the child.
Maybe, if both the mother and alleged father agree on the paternity of the child, then a DNA test is not required.
However, if there is a dispute as to who is the father, then a DNA test will typically be ordered to determine the proper father of the child.
No. The mother has a right to file a Petition to Establish Paternity so that she may collect child support from the father.
The father’s obligations do not cease to exist because the father failed to act.
The mother is not bound to a certain time frame in which she has to file the petition, as long as the child is a minor.
If a petition is filed, then the mother has the right to request prior child support going back 24 months from the date the petition was filed.
Maybe. If you did not establish paternity, then you should file with the Florida Putative Father Registry with the Office of Vital Statistics that you may be the father of a child in Florida.
They will ask for information related to the mother and the possible date of birth of the child. When the child is placed for adoption, there is a requirement that a search be completed of the registry.
If you fail to do that, but the mother has reason to believe that you are the father, then she has a duty to provide that information when giving the child up for adoption.
Should they fail to locate you, then you may receive notice through an ad that runs in a legal newspaper or section of the paper.
If you have not registered with the Putative Father Registry, and the mother does not know your name or that you are possibly the father, then you may not receive notice of any kind that the child was adopted.
Maybe. In Florida, to disestablish paternity, you must file a Petition to Disestablish Paternity with the court.
This petition must strictly comply Florida Statute 742.18. This explains who qualifies to disestablish paternity and what must be filed to do so.
The well-being and support of any child carries the court’s highest concerns. Parental relationships and duties are key for the well-being of the child.
So, having experienced Florida paternity lawyers to help establish paternity is crucial. The attorneys at Wood, Atter & Wolf are sensitive to the needs of their clients.
Our paternity lawyers represent clients throughout Northeast Florida. Areas include all of Duval, St. Johns, Clay and Nassau County. Michael, David and Jennifer have extensive knowledge and skill with establishing paternity.
It is vital to have a good lawyer to increase the chances of a happy outcome for you and your family.
We bring each of our clients deep family law and child custody insight into the things that you and your family are facing. Likewise, we offer honest feedback along with aggressive offense of our clients’ cases.
David, Michael and Jennifer are each very dedicated to their clients and work hard on their behalf. They will fight for you, and ensure they always get the job done. As the client, you get the justice you deserve. David does a great job at explaining the process and possible outcomes, so you never feel in the dark. The process is clear up front and he follows through, which is hard to find in an attorney.
Michael is easy to speak with and makes you feel comfortable during the headache that is a lawsuit. Michael treats each client like family and works harder than anyone out there for you. Jennifer is the best family law attorney in Jacksonville. If you are looking for not only the best lawyer, but someone who genuinely understands what her clients go thru during their divorce or custody battle, Jennifer is the only choice to make.
Highly recommend!