Florida Answer to Petition and Counterpetition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief

Birth certificate. If a birth certificate declares the father and he signs it, this is a legally binding qualification of paternity. DNA test. Court order.

To file for paternity in Florida, start by completing Family Law Form 12.983(a), Petition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief with the circuit court in the county where you live. This form is used by individuals who want to establish paternity, time-sharing and child support for a child.

How do I establish paternity in Florida? There are several different ways. The most common is through an Affidavit of Paternity. Once a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity has been signed, it becomes final and binding 60 days later.

Write clearly, and use your own words. Use bulleted lists for your major points. Don't insult or bash your ex. Attach evidence such as pay stubs or bank statements, but redact SSN and account numbers. Affirm that you are making your statement under oath, and under penalty of perjury.

Pull the header information from the plaintiff's petition. Title your Answer Answer to Plaintiff's Petition/Complaint. Center this title and make it bold. Introduce yourself. Admit, deny, or claim that you lack sufficient knowledge to admit or deny each of the plaintiff's numbered allegations.

An acknowledgment of paternity will require some basic information including the child's full name, mother's full name, and father's full name. The father's date of birth, address, and Social Security number are also needed. The AOP must be signed and notarized by both parents.

Fill out your court forms. Fill out 1 of these court forms too if the complaint asks for child support: Have your forms reviewed. Make at least 2 copies of all your forms. Serve your papers on the LCSA/DCSS. Have the person who served your Answer fill out the Proof of Service.

If you decide to respond, you will have to pay the current filing fee. If you decide not to respond, then after 30 days from the date you were served with the Petition, the other party can enter you into a default status (which means that you can no longer respond).

Establishing parentage is necessary before custody, visitation, or child support will be ordered by a court. You can ask the judge for child support or custody and visitation orders as part of a case that establishes the child's parentage.