What is the Good Dad Act In Florida?

Florida’s Good Dad Act is groundbreaking legislation that strives to enhance the rights of unmarried fathers by ensuring they are legally acknowledged as natural guardians after establishing paternity. The law gives fathers the same rights and responsibilities as mothers regarding the child. The law is meant to help unwed fathers actively participate in the lives of their children and bring a well-balanced approach to child support and time-sharing.

The Good Dad Act 

After the Good Dad Act was passed by the House and the Senate, Governor Ron DeSantis signed it into law on June 26, 2023. The law reflects the fact that it is in the best interests of the child to maintain a healthy and loving relationship with each of their parents. It provides unmarried fathers with an equal say regarding the child’s health care, education, religion they are raised in, and other important aspects of the child’s life.

Before the new law was enacted, unmarried mothers had the legal right to remove their child from Florida without facing any penalties. This left unwed fathers without a way to be active in their children’s lives if they had not been awarded time-sharing rights.

How the Good Dad Act Benefits Fathers and Mothers 

Due to its name, it is natural to think the Good Dad Act only benefits fathers, but this is not true. Although the law provides unmarried fathers with time-sharing and decision-making rights, it also provides benefits for mothers.

For example, the law also provides that both parents are responsible for contributing to the financial cost of raising a child. As such, if a father earns more than the mother, she can petition the court for child support if paternity is established. Before the law was enacted, unmarried mothers had no right to child support if paternity was not established.

How to Establish Paternity in Florida 

For unwed fathers, there are many ways to establish paternity. The easiest is through a Voluntary Acknowledgement of Paternity. The father and mother can both sign this form and it will then become final and legally binding 60 days later.

There are instances when either a mother or father may deny paternity. In these cases, the Florida Department of Revenue can conduct a genetic test, otherwise known as a DNA test. If the test shows that a man is the biological father of a child, the Department will issue an Administrative Order of Paternity.

In other cases, individuals may have to bring a paternity action in court. Either the father, mother, or the Department of Revenue can bring this action. After a paternity action is filed, the court will conduct a genetic test and the results of the test are also final and legally binding.

Our Paternity Lawyer in Orlando Can Help You Through the Process 

Establishing paternity can be complicated and have significant impacts for both mothers and fathers. Our Orlando paternity lawyer at Anderson & Ferrin, P.A. can help you prepare for the process so you know what to expect, and help you exercise your rights afterwards. Call us today at 407-412-7041 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment with our attorney and to learn more about your legal options.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0742/0742.html