If parties disagree on the paternity of a child in Florida. Requesting a court-ordered genetic testing may be the best option to establish the paternity of the child.
Paternity establishment allow the child the opportunity to receive an inheritance, financial support, and an opportunity to understand their lineage. In this post, we discuss the steps necessary to obtain a court-ordered paternity test.
The information provided in this post is not a substitute for legal advice. Please consult with a child support attorney for specific questions and guidance regarding your situation.
How do I get a court-ordered DNA Test in Florida?
In Florida, you can establish paternity with a court-ordered DNA test by following one of two methods:
1. File a paternity petition (civil action) with the circuit court. Mothers, alleged fathers or a legal guardian can file a petition.
2. Request court-ordered genetic testing through the Florida Department of Revenue. Please note, the Florida Department of Revenue is the department designated to enforce child support services. You’ll need to contact their office for the necessary steps to initiate this procedure.
There’s an additional option for establishing paternity using a DNA test for unmarried parents:
– If both unmarried parents agree, they can opt to have a legal paternity test conducted independently of the court or . This choice can speed up the process, allowing for quicker receipt of test results and potentially reducing the overall waiting time.
Turnaround times when performing a DNA test through the state:
If you choose to pursue DNA relationship testing, make sure to select a company like IDTO DNA Testing that offers AABB-accredited services. Only results from AABB-accredited tests are recognized by judges in a court of law.
Comparison of Turnaround Times:
State vs. Independent Paternity Testing:
Florida State DNA Testing
The average turnaround time for your results to be completed is 6 to 8 weeks. Please consider that the COVID-19 pandemic backlog may extend these times. Additionally, the state will not contact you by phone to inform you of the completion of your results.
Independent DNA Testing (IDTO)
The average turnaround time for your results is 2 to 3 business days. Upon completion of your test, you will be contacted by phone with a status update on your case. You will receive a mailed copy of your results at your home, and a pdf copy will be emailed to you.
Please be aware that if you use a DNA testing service that is not accredited by the AABB, your results will not be accepted in court. This could necessitate taking another paternity test, incurring additional costs.
Conclusion:
Establishing paternity through the court system can be a complicated process, but it provides legal certainty. To obtain a court-ordered DNA paternity test in Florida. Contact the Florida Department of Revenue near your city.
If both parents can work with one another on scheduling a legal paternity test outside of child support services for faster turnaround times. Call IDTO at 888-204-0583 to schedule an appointment today.
