Paternity & Custody

Paternity

A birth mother or birth father may file this type of case to ask the court to establish paternity, a time-sharing schedule, and/or child support of a minor child or children. This means that you are trying to legally establish who is the father of the child(ren).

Custody by Extended Family (Temporary)

An extended family member may file this type of case to obtain temporary custody of a child or children pursuant to Chapter 751, Florida Statutes. This should not be used if you are a parent seeking to establish parental responsibility or time-sharing with a child or children. You may file a petition for temporary custody if you have the signed, notarized consents of the child(ren)'s legal parents or you are an extended family member who is caring full time for the child(ren) in the role of a substitute parent and with whom the child(ren) is (are) presently living.

Custody by Extended Family (Concurrent)

An extended family member may file this type of case to obtain concurrent custody of a child or children pursuant to Chapter 751, Florida Statutes. This should not be used if you are a parent seeking to establish parental responsibility or time-sharing with a child or children. "Concurrent custody" means that an eligible extended family member is awarded custodial rights to care for a child or children concurrently with the child(ren)'s parent or parents.

Location

Paternity and custody services are available at our Bartow or Northeast offices only.

Packets and Forms

Checklist

The 10th Judicial Circuit Court website provides a checklist that may be helpful for self-represented litigants. This resource is free.

The 10th Judicial Circuit Court website provides a few local forms that may also be needed.

Forms and Resources

The Florida Court's Self-Help Center provides a variety of forms that may be needed in paternity and custody cases. There is no cost to access these forms.