There’s a common misconception that mothers are naturally “better” at raising children. But the truth is, good parenting isn’t about gender—it’s about love, commitment, and showing up for your child every day.
Across Florida, many fathers are stepping up to be present and actively involved in their children’s lives. Unfortunately, the law hasn’t always made this easy. Without legal support, many loving dads faced unnecessary barriers in participating fully in their children’s upbringing.
The Good Dad Act changes that.
This landmark legislation gives unmarried fathers the opportunity to be legally recognized as equal partners in raising their children—not just visitors or helpers. By supporting meaningful involvement from both parents, the law helps foster stronger, healthier family units.
Before and After: How the Good Dad Act Changed the Game
Before the Good Dad Act, Florida law automatically named unmarried mothers as the natural guardians of their children. Unmarried fathers, even those who were present and supportive, had no legal rights without going through an expensive and time-consuming court process to establish paternity.
This created painful situations for many families. A father could be there for every milestone yet have no say in major decisions. If the mother decided to move away, deny contact, or make medical or educational choices without consulting him, there was little he could do without first establishing paternity through the courts.
Thanks to the Good Dad Act, fathers are no longer treated as outsiders by default. This new approach better serves the interests of the child by ensuring both parents can actively participate in their children’s lives and contribute to strong, supportive family units.
What Is the Good Dad Act?
Signed into law as House Bill 775 on June 26, 2023, the Good Dad Act gives fathers a clearer path to being legally recognized as equal parents.
Dr. Bernard W.H. Jennings, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Mediator and President of the Biscayne Gardens Chamber of Commerce, helped lead the charge for change. After experiencing firsthand the challenges unwed fathers face—when his wife moved away with their son without notifying him—Dr. Jennings founded the Good Dad Act Committee, focused on ensuring that unwed fathers who want to raise, guide, and support their children have a real voice in the legal system.
Under the Good Dad Act, an unmarried father who establishes paternity, either through an Acknowledgment of Paternity or a court order, can now seek time-sharing and parental decision-making rights. Fathers who are actively participating in their children’s lives can protect and strengthen those bonds through a formal, court-recognized relationship.
Does the Good Dad Act Automatically Give Fathers Custody?
No, the Good Dad Act does not automatically give unmarried fathers custody or time-sharing rights.
While the law provides a clearer path for unmarried fathers, it doesn’t skip over the court’s responsibility to protect the best interests of the child. The major difference is how fathers are viewed during this process.
Instead of starting from a position of disadvantage, unmarried fathers are now included in conversations about time-sharing, child support, and other important decisions about children’s lives. Courts are encouraged to treat both parents as capable and important, unless there’s evidence showing otherwise.
For fathers who have been actively participating in their child’s life by attending school events, making healthcare decisions, and spending meaningful time with their children, this law strengthens their ability to protect and continue those relationships through a court-ordered parenting plan.
What If the Mother Leaves My Name Off the Birth Certificate?
Even with the Good Dad Act in place, if a father’s name is not listed on the child’s birth certificate, he needs to take an extra step to establish paternity. This can be done voluntarily, if both parents agree and complete an Acknowledgement of Paternity form, or (if the mother does not consent) through a court-ordered paternity action.
Once paternity is established, the father can seek a formal parenting plan and begin participating fully in his child’s life—not just emotionally, but legally as well.
Questions Mothers May Have About the Good Dad Act
The Good Dad Act represents a big shift in Florida family law, and it’s natural for mothers to have questions about how it may affect their families. Here are a few of the most common concerns:
1. Will this force me to share custody with an uninvolved or unsafe father?
No. The Good Dad Act does not eliminate safeguards that protect children. Even after paternity is established, the court will make custody and time-sharing decisions based on the best interests of the child.
If there are concerns about a father’s ability to safely or appropriately care for the child, the court will take those concerns seriously.
2. What if we already have a good co-parenting arrangement?
The law supports stability. If both parents are already working together effectively, formalizing paternity can strengthen the father’s legal role without disrupting a healthy dynamic. It helps ensure that both parents’ rights and responsibilities are clearly recognized.
3. Does this affect child support?
Yes. Once paternity is established, child support obligations can be determined if needed. Formal recognition through the court allows financial support orders to be created in the child’s best interest.
4. Do I have to agree to everything?
No. If parents cannot agree on a parenting plan, the court will step in and create one based on the interests of the child. Both mothers and fathers have the opportunity to present their perspectives during the process.
The Good Dad Act is ultimately good for everyone—fathers, mothers, and most importantly, children. It gives families a stronger foundation, regardless of marital status.
Building Stronger Families, Together
The Good Dad Act is a powerful step toward building stronger, healthier families across Florida. By recognizing the important role that both parents play—regardless of marital status—the law helps ensure that children grow up with the love, support, and stability they deserve.
For fathers, it creates a real opportunity to be seen, heard, and involved. For mothers, it strengthens the legal clarity and financial protections that come with formalizing paternity. And for children, it increases the chances of having meaningful relationships with both parents, supported by a stable legal foundation.
If you’re navigating questions about paternity, custody, or time-sharing under the Good Dad Act, you don’t have to figure it out alone. The team at Leap Frog Divorce is here to guide you through the process and help you protect what matters most—your family.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options.
