Proving Paternity In Fort Lauderdale
Being a single mother is one of the most challenging jobs you will ever do. It can be immensely rewarding, but having help from the father makes things easier for you and your child.
If your relationship ended badly or you were otherwise not in communication when your child was born, the father’s name may not be on your child’s birth certificate. Our Fort Lauderdale family lawyer explains how to go about proving paternity in Florida and the benefits it can provide.
How Do You Prove Paternity In Fort Lauderdale?
For unmarried parents, proving paternity is an important issue that needs to be discussed. Regardless of your relationship or the role your child’s father plays in their life, they still have legal obligations to fulfill. Providing paternity allows you to get a child support order and offers other benefits.
If you are unmarried, the father was not there at your child’s birth, or they are otherwise not listed on their birth certificate, the Florida Department of Revenue advises you have two options when it comes to proving paternity in Florida:
- Have both parents sign a voluntary letter of acknowledgment affirming that the man in question is the father;
- File a petition, undergo genetic testing to prove paternity, and get a court order.
Unfortunately, if you and the other parent are not in good times or they are reluctant to be a father, you may need to take them to court. This generally involves doing a cheek swab from the mother, the father, and the child to test for similar DNA. Genetic testing is highly accurate, can prove paternity within a fraction of a percentage point, and provides the evidence needed in the Broward County Court for the judge to issue a paternity order.
The Benefits of Proving Paternity Through The Broward County Court
Some men take to fatherhood, some perform the bare minimum, and others shirk any responsibility. Regardless of their attitude or willingness to take part in your child’s life, fathers still have legal obligations to fulfill.
Under the Florida Statutes, both parents have a legal duty to provide for their child. Once you prove paternity, the next step is to get a child support order. Regardless of whether you need the father’s financial help, this is money your child is entitled to and can provide certain advantages. Alongside child support, other benefits of proving paternity in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Enables the child to be included on their father’s health insurance;
- Makes them eligible for their Social Security and Veterans benefits;
- Entitles them to inherit from their estate;
- Provides the child access to information about their father, any relevant medical history, and other important information.
Questions About Paternity In Florida? Contact our Fort Lauderdale Family Lawyer
Paternity proceedings help protect your child, ensuring they get the financial support they are entitled to and providing access to pertinent information. If you have questions about the process and the options available in your case, reach out to Fort Lauderdale family lawyer Vanessa L. Prieto. Call or contact our office online today to request a consultation.
Sources:
floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/paternity.aspx
browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html