[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” background_enable_image=”off” background_blend=”overlay” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”1″ make_equal=”on” module_id=”pa-hero” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” width=”100%” max_width=”100%” custom_padding=”0px||0px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_image=”https:\/\/cruzlegalpa.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/Paternity-lawyer-cruzlegalpa.jpg” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider show_divider=”off” module_id=”img-div” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” height=”450px” height_tablet=”350px” height_phone=”200px” height_last_edited=”on|phone” global_module=”90545″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|80px|30px|80px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”30px|80px|30px|80px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|45px|30px|45px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_css_main_element=”align-self:center;” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_post_title meta=”off” featured_image=”off” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” title_font=”||||||||” title_text_color=”#A9018D” title_font_size=”35px” title_line_height=”1.2em” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” title_font_size_tablet=”30px” title_font_size_phone=”25px” title_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_module=”90625″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_post_title][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_line_height=”1.4em” width_tablet=”100%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|tablet” max_width_tablet=”100%” max_width_phone=”100%” max_width_last_edited=”on|tablet” module_alignment=”left” custom_margin=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Establishing parentage (paternity) is essential for securing parental rights and responsibilities in Florida. If a child is born to unmarried parents, the father (or parent who did not carry the child) must establish their rights through the court process. This affects child custody, time-sharing (visitation), and child support obligations. If you’re a parent seeking to secure your parental rights or seeking financial support for your child, attorney Marisol Cruz can help.<\/p>\n
At Cruz Legal, P.A., Marisol helps parents navigate parentage (paternity) cases in Florida, ensuring that parents’ rights and children’s best interests are protected. Whether you need to establish, challenge, or modify parentage, we provide legal guidance and zealous representation.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”|30px||30px|false|true” custom_padding_tablet=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|10px|20px|true|true” border_width_right=”1px” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” border_width_right_tablet=”0px” border_width_right_phone=”0px” border_width_right_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”83%” width_phone=”85%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_right=”1px” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” border_width_right_tablet=”0px” border_width_right_phone=”0px” border_width_right_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When parents are not married, the child\u2019s legal father must be established before the father has:<\/p>\n
For mothers, establishing paternity ensures:<\/p>\n
In Florida, paternity can be established in four ways:<\/p>\n
If both parents agree on paternity, they can sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity form at the hospital in some circumstances.<\/p>\n
Once signed, this form gives the father full legal rights and cannot be revoked after 60 days, except in cases of fraud, duress, or material mistake of fact.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” border_width_right_tablet=”0px” border_width_right_last_edited=”off|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Either parent can request a paternity test (DNA test) through the Florida Department of Revenue.<\/p>\n
If the DNA test proves the man is the father, an administrative order is issued, legally establishing paternity.<\/p>\n
If paternity is disputed, either parent can file a paternity lawsuit in Florida family court.<\/p>\n
The court may order DNA testing to determine paternity.<\/p>\n
Once paternity is established, the court will address custody, time-sharing, and child support.<\/p>\n
If the biological parents marry after the child is born, paternity is automatically established.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”83%” width_phone=”85%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”1%||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”2%||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”5%||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_right=”1px” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Unmarried fathers that did not sign a Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity do not have automatic parental rights\u2014they must establish paternity to gain custody and decision-making authority.<\/p>\n
Once paternity is legally confirmed, fathers can:<\/p>\n
If you are a father seeking equal parenting rights, we can help you petition for time-sharing and decision-making authority.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Once paternity is established, the father is legally required to provide child support. The amount of support is based on:<\/p>\n
If a father is wrongfully being asked to pay child support, but he is not the biological father, we can challenge paternity in court and help correct the legal record.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”83%” width_phone=”85%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”1%||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”3%||||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”4%||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_right=”1px” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Yes, under certain circumstances, a man who believes he is not the biological father can challenge paternity by:<\/p>\n
Under Florida law, a father can petition to disestablish paternity if:<\/p>\n
However, if a child is born during a marriage, the husband is legally presumed to be the father, even if the biological father is someone else. In such cases, the husband may still have legal and financial responsibilities unless paternity is formally disestablished through the courts.<\/p>\n
If you have been wrongly identified as a child\u2019s father, we can help challenge paternity in court.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_phone=”10px|20px|0px|20px|false|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_right=”1px” border_color_right=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
After paternity is confirmed, fathers can:<\/p>\n
If you are seeking to modify custody, visitation, or child support after paternity is established, we can help you petition the court for a fair arrangement.<\/p>\n
Establishing or disputing paternity can be legally complex. Hiring an experienced Miami paternity lawyer ensures that your parental rights are protected and that legal procedures are properly followed.<\/p>\n
At Cruz Legal, P.A., we provide legal advocacy to ensure that both fathers and mothers receive fair treatment under Florida law.[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_4,1_4,1_4,1_4″ use_custom_gutter=”on” gutter_width=”2″ make_equal=”on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”50%” width_phone=”80%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”10px||10px||true|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|25px|30px|25px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Extensive Experience in Paternity Cases” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#A9018D” image_icon_width=”50px” image_icon_width_tablet=”45px” image_icon_width_phone=”35px” image_icon_width_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#A9018D” header_font_size=”18px” header_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” header_font_size_tablet=”17px” header_font_size_phone=”16px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Attorney Marisol Cruz has helped numerous parents establish, dispute, and\/or modify their parental rights.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|25px|30px|25px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Competent Representation When Needed” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#A9018D” image_icon_width=”50px” image_icon_width_tablet=”45px” image_icon_width_phone=”35px” image_icon_width_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#A9018D” header_font_size=”18px” header_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” header_font_size_tablet=”17px” header_font_size_phone=”16px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]If the other parent is denying your rights, we will fight for you in court.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|25px|30px|25px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Bilingual Legal Services” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#A9018D” image_icon_width=”50px” image_icon_width_tablet=”45px” image_icon_width_phone=”35px” image_icon_width_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#A9018D” header_font_size=”18px” header_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” header_font_size_tablet=”17px” header_font_size_phone=”16px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]Marisol Cruz is fluent in English, Spanish, and Italian, making communication easy and effective for clients from a wide range of backgrounds.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”30px|25px|30px|25px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”20px|20px|20px|20px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|10px||10px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_all=”1px” border_color_all=”rgba(169,1,141,0.1)” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb title=”Personalized Legal Solutions” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#A9018D” image_icon_width=”50px” image_icon_width_tablet=”45px” image_icon_width_phone=”35px” image_icon_width_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”#A9018D” header_font_size=”18px” header_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” animation=”off” header_font_size_tablet=”17px” header_font_size_phone=”16px” header_font_size_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}”]Every paternity case is different, and we provide custom legal strategies tailored to your needs.[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row disabled_on=”on|on|on” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” disabled=”on” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text ul_type=”square” ul_item_indent=”2.2em” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||on||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”20px” link_font=”|700|||on||||” header_2_text_align=”center” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” width=”80%” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”100%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” module_alignment=”center” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When facing family law challenges, you need an attorney who truly cares. Marisol Cruz provides skilled, compassionate representation to help you move forward with confidence.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” width_tablet=”90%” width_phone=”90%” width_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_margin=”2%||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”4%||3%||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”5%||6%||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”|20px||20px|true|true” border_color_all=”#A9018D” border_width_right=”5px” border_width_left=”5px” border_width_right_tablet=”3px” border_width_right_phone=”2px” border_width_right_last_edited=”on|phone” border_width_left_tablet=”3px” border_width_left_phone=”2px” border_width_left_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_font_size=”20px” link_font=”||||on||||” header_2_text_color=”#A9018D” header_2_font_size=”30px” header_2_line_height=”1.2em” header_3_text_color=”#A9018D” header_3_font_size=”25px” header_3_line_height=”1.2em” text_orientation=”center” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” text_font_size_tablet=”18px” text_font_size_phone=”16px” text_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_2_font_size_tablet=”25px” header_2_font_size_phone=”22px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” header_3_font_size_tablet=”22px” header_3_font_size_phone=”20px” header_3_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If you need to establish, dispute, and\/or modify their paternity in Miami, don\u2019t handle it alone.
\nLet an experienced paternity attorney help you secure your rights and protect your child\u2019s best interests.<\/p>\n