Representing Florida Parents In Paternity Proceedings

Last updated on September 21, 2026

The role a father plays in the life of his child is critical to the child’s development. At the law firm of Ami L. DiLorenzo, P.A., we understand the significance of the father-child relationship. We also understand the time and emotional connection involved in establishing this important bond.

At Ami L. DiLorenzo, P.A., our founding attorney will call upon her years of experience to successfully represent you in your paternity proceedings. She takes an aggressive approach to protect clients’ interests and those of their children and will work diligently to the end.

Our law firm represents parties seeking paternity, as well as those contesting it.

Florida Paternity Law

Florida law treats fathers differently, depending on whether their children were born inside or outside of marriage. Here are some important facts under Florida law and most circumstances:

• Under Florida law, a child born to married parents is presumed to be the husband’s child.
• When a child is born out of wedlock, and no judgment of paternity is entered, the child’s father has no immediate legal rights. The mother has 100% legal rights to the child.
• For a child born out of wedlock, his or her father may still pay child support, but the law does not protect the father’s right to parenting time/child custody and/or visitation until a judgment of paternity issued and those rights are established.

Claiming Paternity

By filing a petition in a Florida family law court, you can be declared your child’s legal father. You will then have a permanently established legal relationship with the child, having legal standing to make important decisions in the child’s life.

This is a wonderful opportunity for many fathers who are sure of their biological relationship with their child. However, if you have any doubt as to your relationship, it is critical that you talk with our Ocala paternity lawyer before a final judgment of paternity is entered in your case. This is because if a final judgment is entered and you later find that you are not the father, you may still be obligated to support the child. Getting a DNA test is highly recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity In Florida

Here are answers to some of the most common questions clients ask about establishing paternity and protecting parental rights in Florida:

Can a father be required to pay child support even if he isn’t legally established as the father yet?

No. Under Florida law, a court cannot order an alleged father to pay temporary child support until paternity is established or until court-ordered genetic testing confirms a 99% or higher probability of biological paternity.

If you receive notice of a paternity action or child support claim, do not ignore it. Failing to respond can result in a default judgment that establishes you as the legal father and orders you to pay support, even if you are not the biological parent. We help clients respond quickly and request DNA testing to confirm or contest paternity before any final orders are entered.

Can the court order a DNA test in a Florida paternity case? How does testing work?

Yes. Florida courts routinely order genetic testing in paternity cases when paternity is disputed or uncertain. Either parent can request DNA testing, and the court will typically grant the request. The court can also order testing on its own initiative.

DNA testing involves a simple cheek swab from the mother, child and alleged father. A court-approved laboratory processes the samples and provides results showing whether the man is the biological father. Results are typically available within a few weeks. The cost of testing is usually split between the parties or paid by the person requesting the test. If the test confirms paternity, the requesting party may be reimbursed by the other parent.

Can we agree on paternity, time-sharing and child support without going to trial?

Yes. Many paternity cases resolve through voluntary acknowledgment and settlement agreements. If both parents agree on paternity, they can sign a written acknowledgment that establishes the father’s legal relationship with the child. This acknowledgment has the same legal effect as a court order.

Parents can also negotiate a parenting plan that addresses time-sharing, parental responsibility and child support. Once both parties agree, the court reviews the plan to ensure it serves the child’s best interests. If the court approves the agreement, it becomes a binding court order. Settling outside of court saves time, reduces legal costs and gives parents more control over the outcome. We guide clients through negotiations and help draft enforceable agreements that protect their rights and their children’s well-being.

Reach Out to Our Team Today

To schedule a consultation at the Ocala, Florida, law firm of Ami L. DiLorenzo, P.A., call us at 352-580-1141. We place great emphasis on answering email inquiries as quickly as possible, so please contact us at any time with questions.