Paternity

Florida paternity representation for parents establishing or contesting parentage

A Florida paternity case establishes the legal father of a child, which is the starting point for timesharing, parental responsibility, and child support when parents are not married to each other.

At the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A., we help parents throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties establish paternity, contest a paternity claim, and secure the parental rights and obligations that follow.

How Paternity Is Established in Florida

When a child is born to unmarried parents, paternity is not automatically assigned the way it is for married couples. It generally needs to be established through one of the following paths.

• A voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, typically signed at the hospital or shortly after birth
• A court action, often paired with DNA testing, when the parents disagree or one parent is unavailable
• An administrative process through Florida’s child support agency in some support-related cases

Contesting or Disputing Paternity

A man who is unsure whether he is a child’s biological father, or who signed an acknowledgment of paternity without full information, may be able to challenge that finding. Florida places time limits and evidentiary requirements on these challenges, so the sooner a concern is raised, the more options are typically available.

Rights and Responsibilities Once Paternity Is Established

Once paternity is legally established, both parents gain rights and take on responsibilities. A father gains standing to seek timesharing and a role in parental responsibility, while both parents become subject to child support based on their respective incomes and the time each spends with the child.

Paternity Fraud

In cases where a man later learns he is not a child’s biological father after paternity was already established, Florida provides a legal path to challenge that finding under specific circumstances, including situations involving fraud or misrepresentation. These cases are fact-sensitive and benefit from an early review of the timeline and available evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if the mother will not agree to a paternity test?

A father can petition the court to establish paternity, and the court can order genetic testing as part of that process even without the mother’s agreement.

Does establishing paternity automatically give a father timesharing?

Establishing paternity gives a father the legal standing to seek timesharing and parental responsibility, but the specific schedule and decision-making arrangement is still determined separately, based on the child’s best interests.

Can I challenge paternity after signing an acknowledgment?

It is possible in some circumstances, but Florida places strict time limits and requirements on these challenges, so it is important to act quickly if you have concerns.

Is a paternity case the same as a child support case?

They are related but distinct. Paternity establishes who a child’s legal father is, which then becomes the basis for a separate determination of child support, timesharing, and parental responsibility.

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Every case is unique, and the application of the law depends on the specific facts and circumstances involved. Viewing this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future matter. If you need legal advice regarding your situation, contact the Law Offices of E.F. Robinson, P.A. to discuss your case and receive personalized legal guidance.