Jacksonville Paternity Lawyer

Five Ways to Establish Paternity in Florida

Accuracy of DNA Paternity Tests

Paternity testing determines whether or not a particular man is the biological father of a particular child. The test involves collecting and examining the DNA of a small sample of bodily fluid or tissue from the child and the potential father.

By analyzing the DNA from the child and the potential father, a paternity test can confirm or disprove if the man is the biological father of the child.

DNA testing is generally considered to be the most accurate testing method available for this purpose. It can show that a man is likely to be a child’s father with 99.9% accuracy, or that he is excluded as being the father with 100% accuracy.

The Benefits of Establishing Paternity

As a mother, identifying your child's biological father gives you the ability to obtain a child support order from the courts. Similarly, as the biological father of a child, you would have the right to seek visitation and exercise your right to participate in decisions regarding the child's education, medical care, residence, etc.

In addition, certain work or governmental benefits that may not have been previously available may now be extended to the father's child.

Once your child’s paternity has been established, our firm can also assist you with matters regarding visitation rights, child support, child custody agreements, birth certificate changes, name changes, and more. Let Owenby Law, P.A. help you assert your rights by learning more about the options available in your case.

What If a Father Refuses to Participate in Paternity Testing?

If a father refuses to participate in paternity testing in Florida, the legal process can still proceed. The court has the authority to issue a court order compelling the alleged father to undergo genetic testing. If the father continues to refuse, despite the court order, he may face various consequences. These consequences can include the court ruling him as the legal father by default based on other evidence or testimony available, such as the mother's testimony or circumstantial evidence.

Additionally, persistent refusal to comply with a court order can lead to legal penalties, such as being held in contempt of court. In such cases, the court may impose fines, revoke certain privileges, or even order jail time until the father complies with the testing order. Ultimately, the legal system in Florida is designed to ensure that the best interests of the child are protected.

What if the Mother is Married to Someone Other than the Biological Father?

If the mother is married to someone other than the biological father at the time of the child's birth, Florida law presumes that the husband is the legal father of the child. However, this presumption can be rebutted through legal proceedings. The biological father can petition the court for paternity testing to establish his rights and responsibilities regarding the child, including custody, visitation, and child support.

Call Now for Your Free Case Review

Owenby Law, P.A. has helped mothers and fathers throughout Florida establish paternity. In fact, we have handled thousands of cases over the years. Whether you are trying to establish your legal rights as a father, or you are a mother who is attempting to make the father of your child live up to his legal responsibilities, our legal team can help, no matter how complicated your case may seem.