Paternity in Florida
Questions about paternity can have a lasting impact on not only the parents, but also the child at the center of the dispute. Establishing or disestablishing paternity brings clarity to family life and enables the family to move forward and support the child in the best way possible.
If you’re a mother who needs to prove the paternity of a child, or you’re a father who would like to confirm whether or not a child is yours, it’s important to fully understand paternity laws in Florida before you move forward. Attorney Larry Schott is here to help you with the paternity process. With more than 30 years of experience in the field of family law, Larry Schott can offer extensive professional expertise and the kind of compassionate and attentive approach only a small, independent law firm can provide.
Paternity disputes can be difficult to navigate. We’re here to support you throughout the whole process and help your family move forward in the best interests of the child.
Learn More About Paternity in Florida
- Paternity Lawsuit in Florida – Filing a Case (or Defending)
Establishing paternity is important for both mothers and fathers. Here we explain how the paternity lawsuit process works, the rights of the parties and the possible outcomes of these cases. - Court-Ordered Paternity in Florida – DNA Testing Explained
Court-ordered paternity is sometimes sought if a child was born out of wedlock or there’s a dispute about who is the father of the child. A court order may be required to establish child support or custody, or for the purposes of inheritance and social security benefits. Here, we explain the legal process, including a deep dive into DNA testing, legal rights, and the impact on child support & custody. - How to Establish Paternity in Florida Child Support Cases
If a man disputes that a child is theirs, the mother must establish paternity before she can pursue that man for child support. Proving paternity in Florida is typically straightforward, however, there may be issues if the father refuses to submit to a genetic test. In this guide, we explain the legal process and the options each parent has when attempting to prove or disprove paternity. - How to Disestablish Paternity in Florida Child Support Cases
A man who is being pursued for child support has the right to attempt to disprove paternity. This is usually achieved through DNA testing. Cases can become complex if the mother refuses to allow the alleged father access to the child for the purposes of DNA testing. Learn how to navigate such challenges successfully. - How Does Paternity Affect Child Custody in Florida?
Florida law has two definitions of father: the legal father, and the biological father. In most cases, these two are the same person, but this isn’t always the case. Both paternity and legal status are taken into account in child custody disputes. Here, we explain how the law is likely to view various situations, and what a father might need to do if he wishes to pursue custody of his child. - Paternity Rights and Child Support in Florida
Biological fathers often have fewer rights than legal fathers when it comes to child custody in Florida, although they may still have child support obligations. Disestablishing paternity can free a person from having to pay child support. This guide covers some common paternity and child support scenarios. - FAQs: Paternity in Florida
Paternity testing can be a stressful and confusing process if you don’t know what to expect and the process the courts will follow. This list of frequently asked questions covers the most common concerns that mothers and fathers have about the process. - Paternity Lawsuit – Sample Complaint
This example form shows you what details are expected as part of a petition to establish paternity. Plantation Family Law is here to assist you with completing such an application, and starting on the road towards a more stable situation for yourself and your child. - Read our Paternity blog posts here.
Call Larry Schott Today at 954-880-1302 for a Free Case Evaluation
Contact us today for a free consultation about your Florida paternity matter. We’ll listen to your case and explain your rights. When you’re ready to work with an experienced divorce attorney, like Larry Schott, please fill out the form on our Contact Us page or give us a call at (954) 880-1302.