I'm on the birth certificate - isn't that enough?

Not for time-sharing. Signing an acknowledgment establishes paternity for support purposes; a court order is what gives you enforceable time-sharing and decision-making rights.

Do courts favor mothers?

No. Florida law directs courts to decide on the child's best interests, and its stated public policy encourages both parents to share the rights and responsibilities of childrearing.

Can I get equal time-sharing?

Equal time-sharing is common where both parents are fit, involved, and geographically practical. The plan you propose and your demonstrated involvement both matter.

Father's Rights

Establishing and protecting a father's place in his children's lives.

In Florida, an unmarried father has no automatic legal time-sharing rights until paternity is established and a parenting plan is entered - even when his name appears on the birth certificate.

Once established, the analysis is the same for both parents: what is in the child's best interests. There is no legal preference for mothers.

How we help

File paternity actions to establish legal fatherhood, parental responsibility, and time-sharing.
Pursue meaningful schedules, not minimal visitation, supported by evidence of involvement.
Address child support correctly, including income imputation and shared-parenting adjustments.
Respond to relocation petitions and enforce schedules that are being ignored.

Frequently asked questions

DiMaggio Law Offices represents clients in father's rights matters throughout South Florida, including Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise, Hollywood, Pembroke Pines, Coral Gables, Miami, Miami Beach, Boca Raton, West Palm Beach and Delray Beach.