Paternity Law in Florida

Paternity is more than biology—it’s a legal foundation for ensuring that both parents have rights and responsibilities when it comes to raising their child. In Florida, establishing paternity is crucial for securing child support, enforcing time-sharing (custody), and giving children access to the benefits and relationships they deserve.

At Crag Chaderton Law, we help both mothers and fathers in Orlando and Central Florida navigate the paternity process with clarity, compassion, and confidence—because every child deserves legal and emotional security.

What Is Paternity?

Paternity refers to the legal identification of a child’s father. If a child is born to married parents, the law automatically recognizes the husband as the legal father. However, if the parents are not married, paternity must be legally established—even if both parties acknowledge the child informally.

Establishing paternity allows for:

Legal child support obligations

Enforced custody and visitation rights

Access to health insurance, inheritance, and government benefits

Emotional and legal connection between father and child

Medical history access for the child’s well-being

Without legal paternity, a father may have no enforceable rights to custody or visitation, and a mother may be unable to request financial support.

There are several ways to legally establish paternity in Florida:

✅ Voluntary Acknowledgment

Both parents can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form, usually at the hospital when the child is born. Once signed and filed, this becomes legally binding after 60 days.

✅ Administrative Order via DNA Testing

If there is a dispute or uncertainty, either parent can request a DNA test. The Florida Department of Revenue can issue an administrative order confirming paternity based on genetic results.

✅ Court Order (Judicial Establishment)

When needed, a paternity case can be filed in court. A judge may order DNA testing and issue a legal judgment establishing the father, along with related decisions on child support, custody (time-sharing), and parental responsibility.

Why Legal Paternity Matters

Establishing paternity protects the legal rights of the child, ensures financial support, and gives both parents the ability to participate in important decisions like education, healthcare, and upbringing. It’s also a necessary step before the court can rule on custody or visitation for unmarried fathers.

At Crag Chaderton Law, we help clients understand their rights and responsibilities, and we work to achieve fair, child-focused outcomes for every family.