Paternity Lawyer – Establishing Father’s Rights and Responsibilities

Legal Support for Florida Parents and Children

Whether you’re seeking to claim your rights as a father or secure child support as a mother, legally establishing paternity is the foundation. We guide you through the process with compassion and clarity—because every child deserves the legal recognition of both parents.

Why Paternity Matters

Rights, Responsibilities, and Long-Term Benefits

Paternity means more than just a biological relationship—it’s about legal rights, obligations, and security. In Florida, if a child is born to unmarried parents, paternity must be legally established for either parent to have enforceable rights and responsibilities.



Establishing paternity helps fathers gain time-sharing and decision-making authority, while mothers can pursue child support. For children, it opens access to benefits such as inheritance, insurance, and even Social Security if applicable.

How Paternity Is Established in Florida

Four Legal Pathways to Fatherhood

Florida law offers multiple ways to establish paternity depending on the circumstances of the parents at the time of birth or after.


Here are the recognized methods:

  • Marriage: If the mother is married at the time of the child’s birth, her husband is automatically the legal father.
  • Voluntary Acknowledgment: Both parents sign an acknowledgment form (usually at the hospital), which becomes legally binding after 60 days.
  • Administrative Order via Florida Department of Revenue: DNA testing may be used to establish paternity without going to court.
  • Court Order: Either parent can file a paternity action in court, often involving genetic testing, to legally determine fatherhood and set support or custody terms.

Our Paternity Services

Legal Guidance for Mothers and Fathers

The Davies Law Firm represents both mothers and fathers in paternity actions. Whether you’re seeking to enforce support or assert your right to be in your child’s life, we provide comprehensive representation at every stage.



We help clients:

  • File or respond to petitions to establish paternity
  • Navigate court-ordered DNA testing
  • Resolve disputes when paternity is contested
  • Establish parenting plans and support orders as part of the case

Every family situation is unique—our approach is tailored, responsive, and respectful of your goals.

What Happens After Paternity Is Established

Parenting Plans and Financial Support

Establishing paternity is only the beginning. Once a father is legally recognized, courts will typically move to create a parenting plan and child support order, just as they would for divorcing parents.


A court-approved parenting plan will outline time-sharing, holidays, and major decision-making responsibilities. At the same time, support obligations will be determined using Florida’s child support guidelines.

Disestablishment of Paternity

When Paternity Needs to Be Undone

In rare and difficult situations, a man who was previously recognized as a legal father may later discover he is not biologically related to the child. Florida allows disestablishment of paternity, but only under specific legal conditions and within limited timeframes.



Our firm can advise on whether you meet the legal requirements to challenge a prior acknowledgment or court ruling and what steps to take next.

Father holds a laughing toddler in a field. They are smiling at each other; the sunset glows in the background.
Watercolor illustration of green parsley sprig.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paternity Law in Florida – Your Questions Answered

  • How do I establish paternity if the other parent refuses?

    If one parent is unwilling to cooperate, you can file a court petition for paternity. The court can order genetic testing to confirm the biological relationship. If confirmed, the judge will issue a legal paternity order, which opens the door to custody, time-sharing, and support arrangements.

  • My name is on the birth certificate. Does that make me the legal father?

    Not necessarily. If you were not married to the mother and didn’t sign a voluntary acknowledgment, your name may have been added in error or without full legal effect. Legal paternity may still need to be established through court or administrative process.

  • Can I request time-sharing and visitation once paternity is established?

    Yes. Once paternity is confirmed, the court will treat you like any other legal parent. You can request a parenting plan that outlines regular time-sharing and decision-making authority. Your relationship with your child can be protected and defined legally.

  • What if I don’t want to be involved or believe I’m not the father?

    If you are named in a paternity action and believe you are not the father, you must respond to the legal filing and request DNA testing. If you ignore the case, the court may issue a default judgment declaring you the legal father, even without proof.

  • Can I change my child’s last name as part of a paternity case?

    Yes. Florida courts can approve a change to the child’s surname if it’s in the child’s best interest. This is often addressed during the paternity process, especially if the child is going to have a continuing relationship with the father or other circumstances support the change.