FL Petition to Determine PaternityForm 12.983(a) · Step 1 of 4

Parties & Circuit

Paternity, parental responsibility, time-sharing, and child support for a child born outside of marriage.

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Florida law note: Florida's paternity petition (Form 12.983(a)) establishes legal paternity and sets parental responsibility, time-sharing, and child support in one proceeding. A Parenting Plan (Form 12.995) is mandatory. Voluntary Acknowledgment of Paternity (DH-432) can be done at the hospital or vital records but does not by itself establish custody or support — you still need a court order.

Your full legal name (Petitioner) Other party's full legal name (Respondent) Florida judicial circuit you're filing in Not sure? Look up your county above — every county belongs to one circuit. County of filing Case number (blank if opening a new case) Court division / judge (if you have a case)