Establishing Paternity in South Florida
When a minor child is born to married parents, the State assumes that the husband is the child’s father and there is no need to establish paternity unless contested with the help of a paternity test attorney in South Florida or an experienced attorney for paternity matters. Legal guidance ensures that parental rights and responsibilities are properly addressed if paternity is disputed.
Under South Florida law, a child does not have a “legal father,” however, if the child’s parents are not married when the child is born. Thus, the parents have to establish paternity, often with the assistance of an attorney for paternity or the best divorce attorney in South Florida to ensure compliance with Florida family law requirements.
Florida policy concerning minor children is always based on the best interests of the child. In this case, anytime a child can have a meaningful and beneficial relationship with both parents, then such interests are met, an outcome commonly advocated by the best divorce attorney in South Florida when resolving family law and paternity-related issues.
In Florida, paternity gives both parents the legal right to do the following:
- get a child support order;
- get a court order for shared time with a child; and
- have a voice in decisions concerning a child.
Attorney for Paternity Tests in South Florida
Establishing paternity is important for many family structures. Not only does having two parents promote the best interest of a child, but it also builds stability and financial assistance to single parents who may not have the ability to sufficiently care for a minor child single-handedly. A South Florida paternity attorney, including an experienced paternity attorney Florida families trust, can help guide you through the legal process of establishing paternity and securing necessary support.
The attorneys at Bacchus Law Firm are experienced legal counselors and negotiators who will provide guidance and advice on sensitive family matters such as establishing paternity. As a trusted Florida paternity attorney team, we represent clients attempting to establish paternity to make their families whole or to seek child support in Broward County, FL and the surrounding counties of Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Hendry County, and Collier County, Florida.
If you or someone you know is attempting to establish the paternity of a child, whether it is a married couple or a single parent, the attorneys at Bacchus Law Firm will guide you every step of the way. Our firm also works closely with clients on related family law matters, including support issues that may require the insight of an alimony attorney in South Florida.
Our office is centrally located at 401 E. Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, just minutes from the Broward County Central Courthouse. If you live in Miami, West Palm Beach, East Naples, or LaBelle, South Florida, and you need an experienced family law attorney, then contact our firm immediately.
Call (954) 500-5555 for a face-to-face consultation.
South Florida Paternity Lawyer Information Center
- When does paternity get established?
- What happens if a paternity test proves that a man in question is the father?
- Where can I learn more about establishing paternity in South Florida?
Establishing Paternity at Various Stages
Circumstances will often dictate when a parent decides to establish their child’s paternity. Sometimes a family will choose to establish paternity years after the child is born. Florida paternity attorney can guide you through the process, which may differ depending on whether paternity is established right after birth or later in the child’s life.
Establishing Paternity at Birth
If the parents are married when the child is born, then paternity is established automatically, without the parents having to take any further action.
If parents are not married when the child is born, then the child’s father can fill out a form called a Paternity Acknowledgement Form, also known as a DH-511. Both parents are required to complete the form and sign it before a notary public usually provided by the hospital.
Mother Later Marries Father
If the mother has a child and later marries the child’s father in South Florida, then the husband becomes the child’s “legal father.” Although the father’s name will not automatically be added to the child’s birth certificate, the parents can add the father’s name to the birth certificate by completing the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida form.
Establishing Paternity at Any Other Time
In South Florida, if the parents are unmarried, they may establish paternity voluntarily. After a child’s birth and anytime until he or she reaches the age of majority, the child’s father may establish paternity. In order to establish paternity voluntarily, the father must fill out the Acknowledgment of Paternity form, also known as DH-2.
The form must be filled out and signed before two witnesses and a notary.
Paternity Test and a Court Order
A person could also establish paternity by filing a civil action in court. Under these circumstances, the parties allow the judge to determine if paternity has sufficiently been established based on the evidence presented. A South Florida paternity lawyer or experienced paternity test lawyer can help present your case effectively and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process in paternity Florida matters.
For the purposes of child support, if the court determines paternity in a child support order, then the court will test genetic samples from the mother, the child, and the man believed to be the father to establish paternity. This process is commonly used in paternity Florida proceedings to ensure accurate and legally binding results. In cases where paternity intersects with custody or visitation issues, guidance from a timeshare attorney in South Florida may also be beneficial.
If the results prove that the man believed to be the father is the biological father, then the court will issue an Administrative Order of Paternity and inform the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics to add the father’s name to the child’s birth certificate.
Additional Resources
Florida Child Support – Visit the Florida Department of Revenue to find out more information about how to establish paternity of a child born or living in the State of Florida. The Department of Revenue aims to provide fair and efficient tax and child support services to achieve the highest level of voluntary compliance.
742.10 F.S. – Visit Online Sunshine, the official website of the Florida Legislature to find the full legislative language for the Florida Statute that governs establishing paternity for children born out of wedlock. The Statute discusses the procedure for raising the issue of paternity and jurisdiction of paternity actions adjudicated in Florida.
Find an Attorney for Establishing Paternity in South Florida
If you or someone you know in Miami, West Palm Beach, East Naples, or LaBelle, South Florida is attempting to establish their child’s paternity, call Bacchus Law Firm to speak with a trusted paternity lawyer Florida families rely on.
Our attorneys provide experienced hands-on counsel when our clients need it the most. We have represented clients from all walks of life throughout the Miami Metropolitan area, including matters involving paternity and child support with the guidance of a child support attorney in South Florida. In the past, our clients have had cases in Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Palm Beach County, Hendry County, and Collier County, South Florida.
Call (954) 500-5555 now to schedule a one-on-one, consultation with our family law attorneys.
Take the Next Step to Protect Your Parental Rights
Establishing paternity is a crucial step toward protecting your child’s future and securing your legal rights as a parent. Whether you need guidance from a trusted paternity lawyer Florida families rely on or support from an experienced child support attorney in South Florida, Bacchus Law Firm is committed to helping you achieve a fair and lasting resolution. Reach out today to get clear answers, strong advocacy, and compassionate legal support when it matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a legal separation in Florida?
Florida does not recognize legal separation as a formal legal status. However, married couples may live apart and still address issues like child support, custody, and financial responsibilities through court orders. - Can you get a legal separation in Florida?
No, Florida does not offer a legal separation process. Instead, couples can seek alternative legal remedies, such as separate maintenance or support agreements, without filing for divorce. - How do you get a legal separation in Florida?
While legal separation itself is not available, spouses can file actions for child support, alimony, or parental responsibility while remaining legally married. A family law attorney can help structure these arrangements properly. - How long does the paternity process take in South Florida?
The timeline depends on whether paternity is contested. Voluntary cases may resolve quickly, while court-ordered genetic testing can take several weeks. - Why is establishing paternity important for the child?
Establishing paternity protects a child’s right to financial support, medical history access, and a meaningful relationship with both parents.
