Establishing paternity helps unmarried parents secure legal rights for their child in Florida. It allows the child to receive benefits like child support, inheritance, and health insurance. Without legal paternity, the father lacks automatic rights and responsibilities.
Signing a voluntary acknowledgment
One of the easiest ways to establish paternity in Florida involves signing a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. Both parents sign this document in the presence of a notary or witness. After filing it with the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics, it becomes legally binding after 60 days. After that, only a court challenge based on fraud or duress can overturn it.
Court-ordered paternity testing
If one parent disputes paternity, either can ask the court to order genetic testing. The court may require the alleged father to take a DNA test to confirm biological paternity. If the test confirms paternity, the court issues an order that grants the father’s rights and responsibilities, including child support and visitation.
Administrative process through the Florida Department of Revenue
Florida provides an administrative process for establishing paternity without a court hearing. The Department of Revenue can order genetic testing for alleged fathers. If the test confirms paternity, an official order recognizes the man as the child’s legal father. This method often costs less and takes less time than court proceedings.
Benefits of establishing paternity
Once paternity is established, the father gains rights such as visitation and decision-making for the child. The child also gains financial support, inheritance rights, and access to medical history from both parents. Establishing paternity ensures both parents share responsibility for the child’s well-being.
