How to Establish Paternity in Tampa, FL
May 18, 2022Child Custody, PaternityNo Comments
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Acknowledgment of Paternity
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Paternity Order
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Court Ordered Paternity Test
After the birth of a child, the unwed mother and father sign an acknowledgment of paternity. If both parents sign before they leave the hospital, they’ll fill out the Paternity Acknowledgement form DH-511. For unmarried parents, signing this legal document should be done if you’re certain you are the biological parent. If it is completed after the family leaves the hospital, the parents need to use a document called the Acknowledgement of Paternity form DH-432. Signing this document establishes paternity only and does not establish or set forth your time-sharing or other parental privileges If you know you are not the biological parent or have doubts about your paternity, you should not sign any documents until after you’ve taken a paternity test.
An Administrative Paternity Order is an order issued by the Florida Department of Revenue that is based on a genetic test and does not require going to court. The mother, child, and potential father take a paternity test, and if the results prove paternity, an order is issued. This order does not establish or set forth your time-sharing or other parental privileges.
A Judicial Paternity Order is when paternity is established by a circuit court judge who issues a court order. If paternity has already been established through Acknowledgment of Paternity or an Administrative Paternity Order, the circuit court judge can hear and make decisions on time-sharing, relocation of the child, and other parental privileges through a Judicial Order in a circuit court.
If you’re unsure about the paternity of your child, the first step you should take is contacting a family law attorney. A lawyer can assist you with filing a petition in circuit court to establish paternity, if necessary, and establish parental rights and obligations.
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LaFrance Law is experienced and skilled at handling paternity issues, child support, time-sharing, and custody issues. Contact us to protect and assert your parental rights or any other paternity and family law issues.
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