10 Mistakes to Avoid in Your Florida Paternity Case

The Dixon Law Firm specializes in family law, including paternity cases. We understand the complexities and nuances of paternity law, and we can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. There are several common mistakes that people make in a paternity case—here, we’ll discuss the top ten. 

1) Failing to File a Petition for Paternity

In order to establish a parental relationship between a father and child, it is necessary to file a petition for paternity with the court. This document establishes parental rights and duties, such as child support and custody arrangements. If you fail to file a petition for paternity, these issues will not be addressed in court or treated as legally binding. 

2) Not Knowing Your Rights

It is important to be aware of your rights during a paternity case so that you can protect yourself from potential problems down the line. Make sure you understand what rights you may have when it comes to custody or visitation arrangements, who is responsible for providing financial support for your children, and other matters relevant to your case. 

3) Not Cooperating with DNA Testing

DNA testing is an essential part of establishing paternity; without it, there will not be any proof that you are actually the father of the child in question. However, many people fail to cooperate with this process or try to avoid taking the test altogether. It is important that if you have been asked to take a DNA test as part of a paternity case that you comply with this request so that your parental status can be established accurately and quickly. 

4) Violating Court Orders

Once an order has been issued by the court in regard to your paternity case, it is essential that you follow its instructions exactly as stated, or risk being found in contempt of court. This could put your entire case at risk since it could lead to fines or even jail time depending on how serious the violation was. 

5) Representing Yourself Without Legal Counsel

Many people assume they can handle their own legal issues without any outside help—but this mistake could cost them dearly if they don’t understand all the intricacies involved in their case. Having an experienced attorney like Alicia Dixon, Founding Attorney at The Dixon Law Firm, on the other hand, can greatly improve your chances of success by ensuring that all documents are properly filed and deadlines met. She also knows best how to represent your interests within the confines of the law.           

6) Not Paying Child Support On Time

Child support payments must always be made on time according to whatever arrangement has been established by court order. Failure to do so could result in serious penalties such as wage garnishment, or even jail time depending on how delinquent payments become before they are resolved. 

7) Ignoring Custody Schedules

If there is an existing child custody schedule set forth by court order (or even an informal agreement), both parties must follow it carefully or else face consequences from the court such as fines, or loss of custodial rights entirely if one parent repeatedly fails to adhere to visitation guidelines set forth by either themselves or by another person appointed by the court.

8) Moving Out Of State Before Your Case Is Resolved

In some instances, one party may move out of state before their case has been resolved—this can complicate matters significantly since local laws may no longer apply if they move away from where they initially filed their petition for paternity (or where they were served with papers regarding said petition). Additionally, this could also make it difficult for them to attend any required hearings relating to their case since they would have relocated themselves outside of the jurisdiction where those hearings were taking place originally. 

9) Not Filing Motions To Modify Or Terminate Court Orders When Necessary

Even after all decisions have been finalized, in regard to a person's specific paternity case (i.e., custody arrangements/visitation schedules, etc.), certain events might occur which require further modifications such as changes due to job transfers, etc. In these instances, it's important for individuals involved with said cases, to promptly file motions asking the court to modify/terminate existing orders accordingly, so that everyone remains protected under the current legal statutes/codes applicable at given times!       

10) Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed

Lastly, but most importantly, it's imperative for those involved in any kind of dispute related to Paternity, to seek professional assistance from a qualified attorney who specializes in Paternity, instead of trying to go through the process alone without guidance counsel. Doing so will ensure that your individual rights remain protected throughout the entirety of the proceedings, while also giving you peace of mind, knowing that there is someone experienced helping you every step of the way.   



1. Failing to File a Petition for Paternity
2. Not Knowing Your Rights
3. Not Cooperating with DNA Testing
4. Violating Court Orders
   
5. Representing Yourself Without Legal Counsel
6. Not Paying Child Support On Time
7. Ignoring Custody Schedules
8. Moving Out Of State Before Your Case Is Resolved
9. Not Filing Motions To Modify Or Terminate Court Orders When Necessary
10. Not Seeking Professional Help When Needed

Navigating through Florida’s complex laws surrounding Paternity Cases can be difficult without professional help, but making mistakes along the way will only complicate matters even further. 

At Dixon Law Firm, we understand the importance of properly protecting our clients’ rights during these situations.