If paternity is not established, can the mother still get child support?

In the state of Florida, if paternity is not established it can still be possible for the mother to get child support. However, it requires the mother to file a lawsuit against the presumed father in order to receive payment. The court would then order a DNA test to be taken to determine paternity. If the results of the DNA test are positive, establishing the father as the biological parent, then the father is legally liable for child support payments. The court, using the Florida Child Support Guidelines, will determine the amount to be paid and order the father to begin making payments. If the results of the DNA test are negative, the father will be dismissed from the case and the mother will not receive any child support payments from him. However, the Florida Department of Revenue has enforcement actions they can take against a father who has showed financial responsibility for the child, regardless of the results of the DNA test. The mother could seek support from the state, if there are no other legal fathers identified during the paternity proceedings. Child support is an important part of raising a child and it is the responsibility of both parents to provide. Establishing paternity is the first step, and it is important that the mother follows the correct steps to ensure that the father is able to provide for the child.

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If paternity is not established, can the mother still get child support?

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