Establishing the legal bond between parent and child.
When parents are not married, the law does not automatically recognize the father’s rights or responsibilities. Attorney Jessica Ramirez-Garcia helps fathers and mothers in Miami-Dade and Broward establish paternity, set time-sharing, and secure child support, in English or Spanish.
Call (305) 201-0529 · Hablamos Español
Why paternity matters
In Florida, when a child is born to unmarried parents, the mother is the child’s natural guardian until paternity is legally established. Until then, the father has no court-ordered right to time-sharing or to make decisions for the child.
Establishing paternity gives the child:
- A legal relationship with both parents
- The right to financial support from both parents
- Access to family medical history
- Eligibility for benefits such as health insurance, Social Security, and inheritance
How paternity is established in Florida
- Acknowledgment of paternity. Both parents sign a sworn form, often at the hospital. After 60 days it generally becomes a legal finding of paternity.
- Marriage. If the parents marry after the child is born and update the birth certificate.
- Court action. Either parent can file a petition, and the court can order genetic (DNA) testing if paternity is disputed.
A signed acknowledgment establishes paternity, but it does not create a parenting plan or child support order. For that, you need a court case.
How we help
- Filing or responding to a paternity petition
- Requesting DNA testing when paternity is in question
- Parenting plans and time-sharing so both parents have a clear schedule
- Child support, including support for the time before the case was filed
- Name changes for the child when appropriate
Why parents choose JRG Law
- Bilingual representation in English and Spanish.
- Personal attention. You work directly with Jessica, a Florida Bar member since 2018.
- A compassionate approach shaped by her background in psychology.
- Two offices, by appointment in West Kendall and Coral Gables.
Frequently asked questions
I signed the birth certificate. Do I have rights to see my child?
Signing the birth certificate is not the same as having a court order. To enforce time-sharing, you need a parenting plan approved by a court.
Can child support be ordered for the past?
Yes. A Florida court can order support for up to 24 months before the petition was filed, as long as the child was living with the parent requesting support.
Can a mother establish paternity if the father refuses?
Yes. The mother can file a paternity case, and the court can order genetic testing.
What if I am not sure I am the father?
We can ask the court to order a DNA test before paternity is established.
Talk to a Miami paternity lawyer today
Call (305) 201-0529 or schedule your free consultation online. We serve families throughout Miami-Dade and Broward. Se habla español.
The information on this page is general and is not legal advice. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.