Original Resources — Recovery Copy
Unpublished inspection copy of the preserved original Resources component. This is not a restored historical page version. Original document destinations are preserved without changing the current Resources pages.
Official Florida Forms & Resources
Official documents are different from our educational guides. Choose a topic below, read the issuing agency’s current instructions, and confirm local requirements. Existing PDF links are retained; versions and availability should be checked before use.
Paternity / Acknowledgment
Official sources: Florida Department of Health and Florida Department of Revenue.
DH-511: Paternity Acknowledgment at birth, provided by the hospital. DH-432: Acknowledgment of Paternity after birth. DH-743A: Affirmation of Common Child(ren) Born in Florida when parents later marry, available through the clerk. These routes have eligibility and signing requirements; review the official instructions before signing.
Paternity / Court forms
Official source: Florida Courts. The descriptions below are educational summaries, not court instructions.
Look for the 12.983 paternity forms: Petition to Determine Paternity and for Related Relief, answer and counterpetition forms, and final judgment forms. A petition may address parental responsibility, time-sharing, and child support. Which documents you need depends on whether you are filing or responding and whether the case is contested.
Official 12.983 PDFs
Starting a case: a petition asking the court to determine paternity and address related relief. Read the included instructions and supporting-document requirements.
Responding to a case: an answer to the other party’s petition. Review the instructions and the response deadline that applies to your case.
Responding and requesting relief: an answer together with a counterpetition asking the court for relief of your own.
Responding to a counterpetition: for the party who needs to answer a counterpetition filed in the case.
Don’t stop at the petition. A crucial step in a court paternity case is obtaining a final judgment signed by the judge and entered in the court record—not simply completing or filing this form. Stopping before that step can leave important issues unresolved and create problems later when seeking to enforce court-ordered rights or obligations.
Establishing paternity is not the same as having a specific, enforceable time-sharing schedule. Make sure the signed orders address the parental responsibility, parenting plan, time-sharing, and support issues that apply to your case. Keep copies of the entered judgment and any related orders. Follow your court’s procedures, and ask a Florida family-law attorney or the clerk’s self-help office about the steps needed to finish your case.
The 12.983 series addresses establishing paternity and related family-court matters, helping fathers take steps toward being present in their children’s lives. Confirm the appropriate documents and current versions with the court or a Florida family-law attorney.
Supporting documents to review
Common supporting forms include the UCCJEA Affidavit (12.902(d)), Family Law Financial Affidavit (12.902(b) or (c)), Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (12.902(e)), Notice of Social Security Number (12.902(j)), Parenting Plan (12.995), and Certificate of Compliance with Mandatory Disclosure (12.932). Service, summons, fee-waiver, and local forms may also be required. The official directory contains instructions and current versions.
Parenting plans / 12.995 series
Official source: Florida Courts. Parenting-plan forms and instructions address time-sharing and parental responsibility. Choose the current form that fits your circumstances from the official directory.
Child support / Financial forms
Official source: Florida Courts. The Child Support Guidelines Worksheet (12.902(e)) and Financial Affidavits (12.902(b) or (c)) organize financial information. Read current instructions and ask which documents apply to your case.
Court procedures / Filing information
Official source: Florida Courts. Review summons, service, disclosure, and supporting-form instructions. Confirm current local filing requirements with your court or clerk; this library is not a complete case-specific packet.
Financial assistance / Legal aid directory
Source: The Florida Bar. This county directory lists legal-aid organizations and explains eligibility. Services, income rules, and availability vary. Directory reviewed October 11, 2026; check the provider’s current details.