Paternity
Establishing legal paternity and arranging a child’s day-to-day life are related, but distinct, questions.
Fort Lauderdale office · Broward, Miami-Dade & Palm Beach
Separate the questions. See the whole picture.
What has already been established?
Tell us whether paternity has been legally established, whether any acknowledgment was signed, and whether a court or agency is already involved. Florida law provides a court process for determining paternity where it has not been established.
What needs to work for the child?
Parenting schedules, decision-making, and financial support may all need attention. Identifying the unresolved issue makes the first conversation more useful.
Related official resource: Florida paternity statute. Source checked September 1, 2026.
Three issues to identify early.
Legal paternity
What acknowledgment, court order, or agency determination already exists? Bring the actual document for review.
Parenting arrangements
What schedule or decision-making question needs attention? Identify the current routine and any existing parenting order.
Financial support
Is support being established, paid under an order, or disputed? Note whether the Department of Revenue is involved.
Before we speak.
Does establishing paternity also settle the parenting schedule?
Paternity, parental responsibility, support, and time-sharing are related but distinct. Florida’s paternity statute allows requests addressing these issues; counsel should review which have already been resolved in your matter.
What if we have managed informally until now?
Describe the current arrangement and identify any signed acknowledgment or prior proceeding. Do not assume the absence of a recent court hearing means nothing has been legally established.
Talk with GFC LAW
Tell us the general matter type and any approaching deadline. We will confirm consultation availability and next steps.