Establishing paternity is a critical step in securing legal rights and responsibilities for both parents and children in Florida. At The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C., we represent clients across Florida in paternity actions and father’s rights matters involving child support, parenting time, and decision-making authority. Our firm focuses exclusively on family law, allowing us to navigate Florida statutes and court procedures with precision. Whether you are seeking to establish paternity or protect your parental rights, we work to secure clear, enforceable outcomes that support your relationship with your child and your long-term stability.
When parents are not married, legal parentage must be formally established before issues of parental responsibility, timesharing, and child support can be determined. In Florida, paternity actions are governed by Chapter 742, Florida Statutes.
Establishing paternity is essential for both mothers and fathers. For fathers, it is the first step toward securing legal rights to parenting time and decision-making authority.
The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. represents parents in paternity and father’s rights matters throughout Southwest Florida and the greater Tampa Bay region, including but not limited to, Sarasota County, Manatee County, Charlotte County, DeSoto County, Lee County, Hillsborough County, and Pinellas County. Every consultation is conducted directly with a licensed Divorce and Matrimonial Law Attorney, not a salesperson, not a case manager, and not an intake team.
A paternity action is a legal proceeding to determine the biological and legal father of a child when the parents are not married.
Paternity may be established by:
Once paternity is established, the court may enter orders addressing:
A biological father does not automatically receive timesharing rights without legal establishment of paternity.
Once paternity is established, fathers have equal standing under Section 61.13 in seeking:
Florida law presumes shared parental responsibility unless detrimental to the child.
After paternity is established, child support is calculated under Section 61.30 using Florida’s Child Support Guidelines.
Both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their child.
If paternity is contested, the court may order genetic testing. Refusal to submit to testing may result in legal consequences.
In some cases, issues arise involving:
Prompt legal guidance is critical.
Once a paternity judgment is entered, parenting and support orders may later be modified upon a substantial change in circumstances.
Do unmarried fathers have custody rights in Florida?
Only after paternity is legally established.
Can a mother deny timesharing if paternity is not established?
Yes, until legal parentage is determined.
Is DNA testing required in every case?
Not always. Voluntary acknowledgment may suffice unless challenged.
If you are seeking to establish paternity or protect your parental rights, experienced legal representation can ensure your rights are recognized under Florida law.
Contact The Law Office of Tiffany M. Hughes, P.C. to schedule a confidential consultation regarding paternity and father’s rights in Florida.
Call us at (773) 893-0228.
123 W Main Street, Suite 400 Chicago, IL 60601
1201 6th Ave W STE 100 Unit #677 Bradenton, Florida 34205
