Dealing With Paternity Issues In Brevard County

Last updated on July 16, 2026

Paternity issues can impact families in different ways. When the parents of a child are not married, either party can go to the court for assistance with child support and establishing or enforcing time-sharing (visitation) agreements and/or orders.

Ms. Abbott can help parents in Indialantic, West Melbourne, Suntree and other parts of Brevard County take the necessary steps to establish paternity. She has more than twenty (20) years of experience in representing parents with these types of cases and knows how to navigate the process.

For Mothers Needing Child Support

This means in order for a mother to obtain child support from a man, she would need to file a paternity action and have the court recognize the man as the legal father. This can be done by agreement of the parties or by a DNA test. Once the test confirms the man as the child’s father, a court can order child support, time-sharing (custody/visitation) and parental responsibility agreement.

For Fathers Wanting Access To Their Children

For fathers, until a court establishes him as the “legal father” of the child, he cannot ask a judge to give him access to the child. Every child is entitled to spend time with both their parents, but if you are not the husband of the mother, you will need a paternity determination naming you as the child’s father first. Ms. Abbott can assist with these cases to ensure that you are part of your child’s life and future.

Why Establishing Paternity Matters

Establishing paternity gives parents and the child legal clarity. When parents are not married, the law may not treat the father the same way it treats a husband. A paternity case asks the court to name the child’s legal father. Once that happens, the court can address child support, time-sharing and parental responsibility.

For mothers, paternity can create a legal path to seek child support. It can also confirm that both parents have duties tied to the child’s care. For fathers, paternity can give the legal standing needed to ask for time-sharing and a role in major decisions. Without that legal step, an unmarried father may not be able to ask the court for access to the child.

Paternity can also help the child. A legal father may give the child access to family medical history, health insurance, life insurance, Social Security benefits, veterans’ benefits and inheritance rights. The child will have a clearer legal connection to both parents. Lesley Turmelle Abbott, P.A. can help parents understand what paternity may mean for their family and what steps may be needed.

Ways To Establish Paternity In Florida

There are several ways to establish paternity in Florida. The right path depends on the facts of the case and whether both parents agree. Some parents can sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity. In other cases, one parent may need to file a paternity action and ask the court to make a decision.

When there is a dispute, the court may order DNA testing. If testing confirms the man is the child’s father, the court can enter orders related to child support, time-sharing and parental responsibility. Those orders may affect financial support, daily parenting time and decision-making for the child.

Ms. Abbott will assist with the steps involved in a paternity matter so you do not have to handle the process alone. She can help prepare the necessary filings, address DNA testing issues and seek court orders that fit the facts of the case. With more than 20 years of experience, she helps parents in Brevard County work through paternity matters with clear guidance and practical support.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paternity In Florida

Establishing paternity is an important step for both parents and children, offering legal rights and responsibilities. Below are some frequently asked questions about the process of determining paternity in Florida.

How is paternity legally established in Florida?

In Florida, paternity is the legal process of determining a child’s father. For married couples, the husband is presumed to be the father. For unmarried parents, formal steps are needed to establish paternity, such as:

• Voluntary acknowledgment: Both parents can sign a voluntary acknowledgment of paternity, which legally recognizes the father.
• Genetic testing: If paternity is disputed, the court may order DNA testing to confirm the biological father.
• Court order: If no voluntary acknowledgment is signed, a court can issue an order to legally establish paternity.

Once paternity is established, the father has legal rights and responsibilities, including child support and custody.

What if my child’s father is not listed on the birth certificate?

If the father’s name is not on the birth certificate, you can still establish paternity through legal channels. A paternity action can be filed, and if both parents agree, the father can voluntarily acknowledge paternity. If no agreement is reached, the court may order a DNA test to confirm paternity and the father’s name can be added to the birth certificate.

What happens if the alleged father refuses to take a DNA test?

If the alleged father refuses to voluntarily undergo a DNA test, the court can intervene. The court has the authority to order genetic testing to establish paternity and enforce the alleged father’s compliance.

What are the legal steps after paternity has been confirmed?

After paternity is established, both parents gain rights and responsibilities. The court can issue orders for child support, time-sharing (custody, visitation and parental responsibility. The father will also have legal rights to make decisions about the child’s welfare, such as education and healthcare.

How does establishing paternity benefit the child?

Establishing paternity benefits the child in several ways. It allows access to family medical history, financial support, and health or life insurance from both parents. Additionally, the child may be eligible for Social Security, veterans’ benefits and inheritance rights from the father. Emotional benefits include having a legal connection to both parents.

Call Ms. Abbott Today

Ms. Abbott can help you with all aspects of paternity matters, whether you are seeking paternity or opposing the motion. Call her Satellite Beach office at 321-253-2275 or send her an email. Schedule a consultation today. She represents clients in communities throughout Brevard County, including Titusville, Melbourne and Merritt Island.