In Florida, a child born outside of marriage has no legal father until paternity is established. That means no legal rights, and no legal obligations.

Establishing paternity creates a path to:

• Timesharing (custody/visitation)
• Parental responsibility (decision-making authority)
• Child support and financial obligations
• Inheritance, insurance, and military benefits
• Stability and legal identity for the child

Whether you're a father seeking rights or a mother seeking support, we help you file, defend, or enforce paternity actions in court, with calm guidance and sharp legal strategy.

Under Fla. Stat. § 742.10, paternity can be established by:

1. Marriage
   • If the parents are married when the child is born, paternity is presumed.

2. Voluntary Acknowledgment
   • Both parents can sign a legal Acknowledgment of Paternity, usually at the hospital or later through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics.

3. Court Order
   • When paternity is contested or not acknowledged voluntarily, either parent can file a Petition to Establish Paternity. The court may order DNA testing and ultimately issue a binding legal order.

• Legal fatherhood (with or without genetic testing)
  
• Parenting Plan – including timesharing and parental responsibility
  
• Child Support – calculated using the same Florida guidelines as divorce
  
• Healthcare, daycare, and education cost sharing
  
• Back child support (retroactive up to 24 months before filing)
  
• Child’s birth certificate update (name change or father’s name)

• Represent unmarried parents in Petitions to Establish Paternity
  
• Defend against wrongful claims or disestablishment of paternity
  
• Draft and negotiate Parenting Plans
  
• File and enforce child support orders
  
• Coordinate genetic testing when needed
  
• Protect fathers’ rights to consistent, meaningful parenting time
  
• Assist mothers in securing legal and financial support