Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
I am a 31 year old and 4 months pregnant. I would like information on what I options I have. I am seeking information on filing a paternity suit, child support laws, child custody laws, and if necessary termination of father's parental rights. I would also like to know at what stage I should start legal proceedings as I am only 4 months pregnant. The father of the child is married and if possible I would like to handle all legal issues as discreetly as possible without interruption of his current family life.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Hello:
In response to your question, you are correct, it is still early to file any action. After the child is born, you can file a Paternity action. In that case, child support would be determined and any visitation if the father wants any. If you want to keep his family from becoming aware, you may not want to file any legal action. You could simply come to an agreement with him for the payment of child support. However, if he breached the agreement, you would have no legal recourse as there has been no court order. FYI, once a case is filed, child support can be ordered retroactively up to two years before the case is filed.
If my office can be of any assistance, please give us a call. Good luck with your new child. Tom Rosenblum