The representative of the decedent's estate brings forward a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the survivors who suffered the loss. Florida's Wrongful Death Act establishes that a surviving spouse, parents and children may collect damages. Additionally, any blood relatives or adopted siblings may have a claim if they were dependent upon the person who died. However, special rules apply to children born outside of marriage. The death of a mother may entitle the surviving child to compensation. The death of a father only creates the possibility of collecting compensation if that man was officially paying child support.