Paternity

We Can Help Establish Your Parental Rights

Our firm proudly uses our extensive resources to help clients exercise their parental rights. With more than 30 years of experience, we represent both mothers and fathers in the following paternity actions:

• Acknowledgment of Paternity Form: An unmarried couple canestablish paternity by voluntarily signing an acknowledgment
   form at the birth of the child, or any point after the child is born. This applies when both parents agree about the paternity of the child. By signing the form, both parents are naming the biological father under oath. Both parents have 60 days to revoke their agreement. Once the 60 days pass, a party cannot set aside the acknowledgment.
• Administrative Court Order: A paternity determination is made based on genetic testing to determine paternity. These tests are ordered through a Florida agency. Each party submits swabs from their inside cheek for testing. All samples are sent to an independent lab for paternity testing. If paternity is established, the Department of Vital Statistics is notified and the birth certificate is updated. An administrative order is sufficient for establishing child support, but not custody.
• Court Order: This tactic is typically used when the individuals do not agree on paternity. When brought by the Department of Revenue, the case is only commenced for the purpose of establishing child support. Once a case is commenced, the non-filing party is summoned to appear at a court date to answer the paternity allegations. If the non-filing party is the alleged father and he fails to appear at court, the court can enter a default judgment of paternity against him. If the parties come to an agreement prior to court, they can provide the court with a consent order, which is generally followed.