Paternity in Florida

The “Good Dad” bill, sponsored by State Representative Christopher Benjamin during the 2023 Legislative Session, marks a significant shift in Florida’s approach to paternity and fathers’ rights. This bipartisan legislation streamlines the process for unwed fathers to secure custody rights and support obligations, bypassing the traditional court system to establish paternity. This law ensures unmarried fathers have equal input in crucial aspects of their child’s life, including education, healthcare, religion, and overall well-being.

Navigating Paternity in Florida

Since 2004, Attorney Gabriel J. Carrera, based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, has been at the forefront of addressing complex family law and child custody issues, including paternity. As a seasoned lawyer, Carrera brings a wealth of expertise to assist clients, whether they’re looking to establish or challenge paternity claims. Recognizing the sensitive nature of paternity disputes, Carrera is committed to delivering exceptional legal counsel to protect the interests of both the child and the parents involved.

Establishing Paternity: A Path to Rights and Responsibilities

In Florida, paternity can be established in two primary ways: through marriage or by legal action. A child born within a marriage is presumed to be the husband’s offspring, while those born outside of wedlock can establish paternity via formal legal procedures. This legal acknowledgment of paternity opens the door to a range of benefits for the child, including access to family medical history, financial support, and health insurance. It also empowers a parent with legal rights to participate in significant decisions affecting the child’s life, pursue child support, and seek visitation or custody rights.

Legal Avenues for Paternity Establishment and Disputes

Paternity can be established through mutual consent via an acknowledgment form, judicial order following genetic testing, marriage after the child’s birth, or through court orders in contested cases. For disputed paternity, any party with a legitimate claim or doubt can initiate a court petition. The process may involve genetic testing, and failure to comply can lead to a default legal father designation, imposing child support obligations.

Florida’s Putative Father Registry offers a proactive approach for men who believe they are the father of a child, safeguarding their rights in adoption scenarios through recorded consent and a willingness to support the child.

Contesting Paternity Claims

Conversely, men who dispute their paternity can file a petition to challenge the assertion, necessitating a legal affidavit and potentially relying on genetic testing to disprove biological connections.

Expert Legal Support for Paternity Issues

Attorney Gabriel J. Carrera, with his extensive experience and certification in Florida Marital & Family Law, is adept at navigating the complexities of paternity cases. Whether you’re seeking to affirm your paternity rights or contesting an unfounded claim, Carrera offers the strategic advocacy needed to safeguard your interests.

For assistance with paternity-related concerns in South Florida, reach out to the Law Office of Gabriel J. Carrera for a confidential consultation. Contact us at 954-533-7593 or visit our website for more information. Our team is dedicated to providing the guidance and support you need to navigate the legal aspects of paternity in Florida.