How Do I Petition Florida Courts for Paternity Testing When I Live in Another State?

DNA doesn't lie.

Establishing paternity means that a man is deemed to be a child's legal father and therefore is responsible for meeting the child's needs financially. If a person disagrees that he is the father of a child, a paternity test will leave no doubt. A paternity test is a genetic test that compares the DNA between the alleged father and the child to establish a familial link. If you live outside the state of Florida, you are still able to establish paternity through a court order for your children who live in Florida.

Instructions

1. Complete the Motion for Scientific Paternity Testing form. This form is available at all county courts in Florida. Be sure to type or print in black ink.

2. Sign the motion form in front of a notary public or deputy clerk.

3. File the motion at the court in the county where your children live.You should file this motion in the county where your children live so that the court has proper jurisdiction to hear the case.

4. Pay the filing fee. Filing fees vary from county to county. Apply for a fee waiver if you cannot afford to pay the fee.

5. Check with the court clerk to see when your hearing is scheduled.

6. File a Notice of Hearing form with the court.

7. Serve the other party with the Notice of Hearing and Motion for Scientific Paternity Testing forms. Any adult or a professional process server can serve the other party.

8. Attend the hearing. Based on the evidence presented by both parties, the court may order a genetic paternity test to be performed. Your child will be tested too. The judge will decide who pays for the tests.

References

• FL Courts: Motion for Scientific Paternity Test
• FL Dept of Revenue: Establishing Paternity