Establishing Paternity for the Single Dad

Florida has a series of laws that provide for legally establishing the biological parents of a child.

If you are a father and not married to the mother of your child, your ability to see your child may be affected by the fact that you are not married to the mother of your child. If you are an unmarried dad who wants to have the most contact with your child in the event your relationship with the mother ends, you need to contact an experienced family law attorney who can help you to get the most time with your child.

Even if you are happily living with the mother of your child, it is important to take proper steps to protect yourself in the future in the event your relationship ends.

Birth Certificate

If you are having a baby with a woman and you are not married, you need to ensure that your name is put on the baby’s birth certificate as the father.

However, even if your name is listed on the birth certificate, if you are not married to the mother of the baby at the time of the baby’s birth, your rights as a father to see and interact with your child may be limited.

DNA Test

If you were not married to the mother of your child at the time of the child’s birth, the first thing you should do is to establish the fact that you are the child’s biological father through a DNA test. Typically, you and the child would be required to give a DNA sample, either through a sample of saliva or blood, in order to compare the DNA of the child to your DNA. The cost of the DNA testing varies depending on location, facility used, and how many individuals’ DNA will be tested. We can help you find a competent DNA testing facility and assist you in completing the test.

Notarized Affidavit or Stipulation

Another way to establish paternity is by a document called an affidavit or a stipulation. In the case of an affidavit, the mother of your child would complete a document attesting to the fact that you are the father of the child. She would need to sign the affidavit in front of a notary public. An affidavit is a legal document whereby the person signing swears that the facts contained in the affidavit are true and correct, usually under penalty of perjury.

Or, the parties (you and the mother) can sign a document called a stipulation whereby you both agree that you are the father of the child. Like an affidavit, a stipulation is typically made under penalty of perjury. When the parties sign the stipulation, the parties swear that the information contained in the stipulation is true and correct.

Speak with a Family Law Attorney Now

If you are a single father and your relationship with the mother of your child has ended, and particularly if you were not married to the mother of your child at the time of your child’s birth, you should speak with an experienced Tampa family law attorney at Bubley & Bubley, P.A. Because securing father’s rights takes great legal knowledge, you should let us help you to ensure that you get all parental rights to which you are entitled.