What to Do If the Father Won’t Acknowledge Paternity in Florida
What to Do If the Father Won’t Acknowledge Paternity in Florida
Establishing paternity is a critical step when it comes to protecting the rights and responsibilities of both parents and their child. But what happens when the alleged father refuses to acknowledge paternity? This situation is more common than many realize, and in Florida, there are legal steps you can take to resolve it. At Quinn Law, P.A., we guide mothers through the paternity process with clarity and care—ensuring your child receives the support and stability they deserve.
Why Legal Paternity Matters
In Florida, a child born to unmarried parents does not automatically have a legal father—even if the father is listed on the birth certificate. Without a court order establishing paternity, the mother cannot legally enforce child support, and the father has no enforceable rights to time-sharing or decision-making.
Establishing paternity gives both parents access to legal protections. For mothers, this may include the ability to secure child support. For fathers, it may involve the right to seek custody or visitation. And for the child, it means access to medical history, inheritance rights, and a relationship with both parents.
What to Do If the Father Refuses to Acknowledge Paternity
1. File a Petition to Establish Paternity
If the father refuses to sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity, the next step is filing a Petition to Establish Paternity in family court. This legal action is commonly initiated by the mother but can also be filed by the alleged father or even the Florida Department of Revenue if public assistance is involved.
Once the petition is filed, the court will serve the alleged father with notice, and a hearing will be scheduled.
2. Request a DNA Test
If paternity is disputed, the court can order genetic testing. A DNA test is a highly accurate method to determine biological fatherhood and is commonly used in Florida family law cases. The results can confirm or disprove paternity with certainty, and they are admissible in court.
Refusing to comply with a court-ordered paternity test can lead to serious consequences, including a default judgment.
3. Attend a Court Hearing
If the DNA test confirms paternity—or if the father fails to appear or comply—the court may enter a final judgment of paternity. This judgment can then be used to:
- Establish a child support order
- Create a parenting plan for time-sharing
- Assign parental responsibility (legal decision-making rights)
Once paternity is legally established, both parents are bound by the court’s orders regarding support and custody.
What If the Father Still Won’t Cooperate?
Even if the father avoids communication or denies involvement, the legal system in Florida provides a clear path forward. The court has authority to enforce testing, issue default judgments, and ensure that children receive the financial and emotional support they need.
If you’re facing resistance, don’t go through it alone. Seeking legal counsel can help you understand your rights, manage paperwork, and represent your interests in court.
Serving Fort Lauderdale Families
At Quinn Law, P.A., we help mothers across Fort Lauderdale and Broward County navigate the paternity process with confidence. Whether the father is unresponsive or actively refusing to participate, we can assist you in taking the legal steps needed to protect your child’s well-being.
