Paternity Litigation in Florida

Paternity cases in Florida carry significant personal and legal consequences. As family law attorneys serving clients throughout South Florida, Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A. provides strategic, compassionate representation for mothers and fathers navigating the paternity process. Establishing paternity is often the first step in securing time-sharing rights, parental decision-making, child support, and legal stability for the child. Our family law attorneys offer free consultations to discuss paternity litigation in Florida.

Our family law attorneys represents parents in St. Lucie County, Martin County, Palm Beach County and Broward County, Florida who seek clarity and fairness in paternity and parenting disputes.

Why Paternity Matters Under Florida Law

Under Florida Statutes Chapter 742, paternity establishes a father’s legal relationship to a child. Once paternity is confirmed, Florida courts may address:

• Time-sharing (custody) and parental responsibility
• Child support obligations
• The child’s rights to insurance, inheritance, and benefits
• Birth certificate corrections and parental naming disputes

Paternity cases often overlap with issues involving custody, relocation, health insurance, and financial support. Having an experienced Florida family law attorney ensures your rights, and your child’s future, are protected.

Ways to Establish Paternity in Florida

1. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity

Unmarried parents may sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity at the hospital or through the Florida Bureau of Vital Statistics. Once finalized, it carries the same effect as a court order.

2. Administrative Order Based on DNA

The Florida Department of Revenue can coordinate genetic testing and issue an administrative paternity order based on DNA results.

3. Judicial Paternity Action

Either party may file a lawsuit in circuit court under Fla. Stat. § 742.011 to legally establish paternity and seek related relief, including:

• Parenting Plans
• Time-sharing schedules
• Child support and medical support
• Parental decision-making authority
• Birth certificate amendments
• Name-change disputes

Our family law attorneys guide clients through each step of the judicial process to ensure their parental rights are properly asserted and protected.

Common Paternity Disputes We Handle

• Fathers seeking to secure rights and establish time-sharing
• Mothers needing to establish paternity to obtain support
• Cases involving disputed or multiple alleged fathers
• Challenges to the presumption of paternity in marriage
• Name-change and birth certificate conflicts
• Post-paternity modifications to support or time-sharing

Your Rights After Paternity Is Established

Once paternity is confirmed, both parents gain enforceable rights under Florida law. Fathers may pursue meaningful time-sharing and shared parental responsibility, while mothers gain support necessary to care for the child. Courts then issue a formal Parenting Plan tailored to the child’s best interests.

Our Florida family lawyers work closely with clients to develop strong, evidence-based proposals for Parenting Plans and time-sharing arrangements.

Why Choose Van Riper & Nies Attorneys for Paternity Litigation in Florida

Our firm is known for clear, assertive family law advocacy backed by years of courtroom experience. Clients rely on us for:

• Strategic guidance rooted in in-depth knowledge of Florida family law
• Skilled litigation when disputes require courtroom intervention
• Child-focused advocacy that prioritizes long-term stability
• Personalized and accessible communication throughout the case

When your parental rights and your child’s future are at stake, you deserve a firm that is committed, prepared, and relentless in your representation. Our family law attorney, Christian Van Riper, is a former DCF investigator and a former prosecutor. In addition to family law, Christian Van Riper, also litigates dependency cases.

Contact our Florida Family Lawyers for Free

If you are facing a paternity matter in Florida, the family law attorneys at Van Riper & Nies Attorneys, P.A. are ready to help. Contact us to schedule a confidential free consultation at any of our South Florida offices.

Florida Office Locations