How to Establish Paternity in Florida

As a father in the state of Florida, there are key responsibilities that you are granted. This includes the emotional, financial and physical responsibility of raising a child. However, if your spouse is questioning your paternity rights, or if you are wondering yourself of your claim to paternity, you should contact a family lawyer for men immediately to begin determining your rights.

There are several ways to establish paternity in Florida, but the process can take its toll over many weeks or months.

The ideal method for establishing paternity is if both parents are married while the child is born. This ensures the father’s name can be placed on the birth certificate. If the parents are married, the father doesn’t need to be present for the birth to be included on the birth certificate, though it’s certainly recommended.

If the parents are unmarried, paternity can be voluntarily established through an Acknowledgement of Paternity form. While not required, it can be beneficial for a family lawyer for men to be present to ensure the process is handled properly. Within 60 days of submitting the form, paternity can be established and will remain permanently.

If you are unmarried at the time of the child’s birth but get married at a later date, you can submit a form called the Affirmation of Common Children Born in Florida. This will allow you to also claim paternity through a legally binding document.

Lastly, paternity can be established legally by the court. Two parties can go to a judge to ask for a legal decision in paternity. This requires the father to be in court for the hearing and can benefit from having a family lawyer for men on your side.

If you are looking to establish paternity, contact In Law We Trust to assist you along the way. Paternity issues are often complicated and emotional, so having an asset on your side is key to success.