Paternity

Establishing legal paternity is a crucial step in ensuring the rights and responsibilities of both the child and the father are recognized and protected. At Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A., we understand the significance of paternity determinations and offer dedicated legal assistance to individuals seeking to establish their legal relationship with their child.

Effective July 1, 2023, significant changes were made to Florida’s paternity laws under House Bill 775. These changes aim to streamline the process of paternity establishment and ensure equitable outcomes for all parties involved. Under the new provisions, paternity can now be established more conveniently, including the option for fathers to sign a notarized affidavit at the hospital upon the child’s birth. This streamlined process aims to provide fathers with immediate legal recognition as a parent, facilitating the establishment of a meaningful relationship with their child.

For those seeking to establish paternity outside of the hospital setting, the revised statutes provide clear guidelines and procedures for initiating paternity actions through the court system. Our dedicated legal team can assist clients in navigating these procedures, including filing petitions, obtaining DNA testing, and representing clients in paternity hearings.

Several crucial Florida Statutes are as follows:

• Florida Statute 382.013: This statute governs the establishment of paternity through the issuance of a birth certificate. It outlines the procedures for adding a father’s name to the birth certificate and provides guidelines for notarized affidavits of paternity.
• Florida Statute 742.010: This statute addresses the rights and responsibilities of unmarried parents regarding the establishment of paternity. It provides guidelines for voluntary acknowledgment of paternity and outlines the legal process for establishing paternity through court action.
• Florida Statute 742.011: This statute outlines the procedures for establishing paternity through genetic testing. It specifies the requirements for DNA testing and establishes guidelines for determining paternity based on genetic test results.
• Florida Statute 742.12: This statute governs the procedures for establishing paternity through administrative proceedings. It provides guidelines for initiating paternity actions through the Florida Department of Revenue and outlines the legal process for establishing paternity outside of the court system.
• Florida Statute 744.301: This statute addresses the rights of minors regarding paternity establishment. It outlines the procedures for minors seeking to establish paternity and provides guidelines for legal representation in paternity proceedings.

At Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A., we are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights and interests in paternity related relief matters. Whether you are a father seeking to establish legal paternity, a mother seeking to confirm, or either parent seeking to enforce legal paternity and include a parenting plan, this law firm is here to provide personalized legal representation tailored to your unique circumstances. Contact Natalie Lopez Attorney at Law, P.A. at 954-888-8833 to schedule a confidential consultation.