Establishing Paternity

by N.H.
(Jacksonville, Florida, Duval County)

Hello, I am currently helping a friend try to find information about establishing paternity in order to get contact with his son. After his son was born, he and the child's mother had their own lawyer and a mediator.

My friend filled out the papers to establish paternity, and gave everything he needed for the test. Unfortunately the mother did not. He then had a warrant out, but no one would follow through on the order. The child's mother stopped contact with her lawyer and the mediator, and eventually moved out of state.

His son will soon be turning four and I seem to keep coming up at a dead end. Everything seems to be geared to parents seeking to get child support and I'm hoping there's something for the parents who want to give child support and have contact with their children. Is there anything that can be done?

Thank you for any information.

Answer to Florida Child Visitation Question

Dear NH,

Yes, there is something your friend can do, but it will be complicated by the fact that his son and the mother have moved out of state.

What your friend will need to do is file a Supplemental Petition to Modify Parenting Plan/Time-Sharing Schedule and Other Relief. This will at least begin the process. The UCCJEA rules are very clear that jurisdiction will probably go to the state where the child is now living.

See our Web-Powered instructions for Form 12-905a

However, if the mother has no problems with your friend's proposed parenting plan, the judge may grant your friends request. As far as child support is concerned, the supplemental petition has provisions to enter into a child support agreement as well.

This kind of case, because of its interstate nature, may become complicated. Your friend should seek the advice of a family law attorney.

See our page on Florida legal aid and resources

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Modifying Parenting Plans & Time Sharing Schedules

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