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Florida's Establishing Legal Paternity For Your Child
State.Fl.us, Dec 20, 2005Legal proof of each parent's identity
Information on family medical history in case of inherited health problems
The child knowing the identity of both parents
The father's name on the birth certificate
Medical or life insurance from either parent (if available)
Financial support from both parents, including child support, Social Security, veteran benefits and military allowances (if applicable), and inheritance.
Establishing Paternity by Signing a Consenting Affidavit Acknowledging Paternity of a Child
Establishing Paternity by Court Orders
Genetic Testing
Establishing paternity means legally determining the father of a child. If a child's parents were not married to each other when the child was born, the law does not recognize the father unless paternity is legally established. Establishing paternity will give your child the same rights and benefits as children born to married parents.
These rights and benefits include:
How To Establish Paternity:
The easiest way to establish paternity is administratively (without going to court). The mother and father sign an affidavit saying the child is theirs. This can be done at the hospital before the baby is discharged or at a local public health unit, the Department of Children and Families office or Child Support Enforcement office. Paternity can also be established by order of the court.