Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: dads rights

I agree with what the other attorneys have said, but also would caution you. Make sure that you are on good terms with the mother's parents. In my experience as a Public Defender, I have seen men in similar situations get charged with statutory rape as a result of their relationship with a minor child. Is it fair? Absolutely not.

There is a good chance that this would never happen - just want to caution you ahead of time.

Re: dads rights

You sure do. DNA established you as dad. So you have all the rights and obligations of any father. You can visit and pay child support for your offspring.

Re: dads rights

If your name is on the birth certificate you are the father in the eyes of the law. If not, you will need to file a Paternity case with the Court. Custody, Visitation and time-sharing can be establishedin that case. The mother will likely have child support established at that time.

Re: dads rights

Let me clarify a bit on what the other attorneys have said. In Florida, unlike most states, neither your name on the birth certificate nor the DNA test establish your father's rights. Your father's rights are not established until a judge legally declares that you are the father. You'll have to file a paternity suit for that to happen. In the paternity suit, you can request custody or visitation. Child support will also probably be established either for or against you as part of the paternity suit.