Paternity refers to a process of establishing the identity of the biological father of a child. This is an important process that is intended to protect the rights of the father, the child, and the mother. Under Florida law, any woman who is pregnant, or has a child, any man who has reason to believe that he is the father of a child, or any child may bring proceedings in the circuit court, in chancery, to determine the paternity of the child when paternity has not been established by law or otherwise.

If paternity is determined, the court will then address issues of financial support, and the establishment of a parenting plan to address the rights and responsibilities of the parents as well as a structured schedule of time-sharing (visitation).