What is the difference between legal and presumed paternity?

The difference between legal and presumed paternity is an important one in Florida. Legal paternity is established by a court order after evidence has been provided that proves the father is the biological father of the child. This evidence is typically obtained through genetic testing such as DNA tests. Once legal paternity is established, the father has certain rights and responsibilities for the child, including the right to visit the child and the responsibility to provide financially for the child. Presumed paternity is when a father is assumed to be the biological father even without any legal or scientific proof. This typically happens when the father and mother are married when the child is born and the father is listed on the birth certificate. However, if the parents are unmarried, then the presumed father may have to take legal steps to establish paternity. In this case, the father must submit a voluntary acknowledgement of paternity in order to officially be the child’s father. Presumed fathers also have the same rights and responsibilities as legally established fathers in Florida.

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What is the difference between legal and presumed paternity?

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