When Is a Paternity Lawsuit Necessary?

In Florida, a paternity lawsuit may be necessary when a man's paternity is in doubt or has not been voluntarily established, particularly for children born outside of marriage, to determine legal rights and responsibilities.

At Karen Johnson Law, we know how important establishing paternity is because it not only provides the child with a legal father but also ensures the father gains recognized rights and responsibilities. Once paternity is established, either parent may seek child support, and the child may become eligible for important benefits such as social security, inheritance rights, and medical insurance coverage.

Paternity can be established through genetic testing, which legally confirms a biological relationship, or by signing an Acknowledgment of Paternity form, which allows both parents to voluntarily establish paternity without going to court. However, when the alleged father refuses to acknowledge paternity, or when there is a dispute about whether he is the biological father, filing a paternity lawsuit in Florida may be required. In some situations, a paternity action can also be filed to dispute paternity if a man is not the biological father.



At Karen Johnson Law in Stuart, Florida, we guide parents through the paternity process with clarity and compassion, making sure your rights are protected and your child’s best interests remain the top priority.