Establishing legal paternity in Florida is about more than just a name on a birth certificate—it’s about creating clarity, responsibility, and rights for both the child and the parents. Whether you’re a mother seeking support or a father hoping to secure your parental rights, confirming paternity is an essential legal step.

At Dunlop, Dunlop & Dunlop, P.A., we guide families in Winter Park through every stage of this process with compassion and clarity.

Here’s what you need to know to establish paternity in Florida.

Why Paternity Matters

Legal paternity provides important benefits for both the child and the father, including:

• Access to medical history and health records
• The right to pursue custody or visitation
• The ability to request or enforce child support
• Inheritance, Social Security, and veteran’s benefits for the child
• A clear legal relationship that supports emotional stability

Step 1: Voluntary Acknowledgment (When Both Parents Agree)

If both parents agree on who the biological father is, paternity can be established without going to court through a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form. This is typically signed at the hospital at birth or later at a Florida Department of Health office.

📝 Key notes:

• This form becomes legally binding 60 days after signing
• Once it’s finalized, both parents have equal rights under Florida law



Step 2: Filing a Petition (When There Is a Dispute or Uncertainty)

If one party disputes paternity, or if there’s no agreement, either the mother, the alleged father, or a legal guardian can file a Petition to Establish Paternity in circuit court. This begins a legal process to determine parentage.

Step 3: Genetic Testing (If Ordered by the Court)

In many cases, the court will order a DNA test to confirm biological paternity. These tests are simple and non-invasive, usually involving a cheek swab from the child and the alleged father. Results are highly accurate and can be used as evidence in court.

Step 4: Court Order and Legal Rights

If the court confirms paternity—either through a voluntary acknowledgment or DNA testing—it will issue a Final Judgment of Paternity. This legal document can also address:

• Child support
• Time-sharing (custody/visitation)
• Parental decision-making rights

Why You Should Work With a Family Law Attorney

Establishing paternity can affect nearly every other area of family law, from custody and child support to health care and education decisions. At Dunlop, Dunlop & Dunlop, P.A., we help you:

✅ Understand your rights and obligations
✅ Navigate court procedures
✅ Protect your child’s best interests
✅ Seek fair and lasting outcomes