Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Can I Hope To Gain Custody?

For 6 years I did not know the whereabouts of my daughter. Out of the blue I get a summons to appear in court for child support. In the 6 months since the child support was ordered I have never missed a payment.Also in these 6 months the mother of my child has been in a rehab center and released and now she is in jail for stealing from her mother. My child is living with the grandmother and I assume now has custody. My wife and I would like to gain custody of my daughter and raise her with a family,we have a daughter together and my wife has 2 sons from a previous relationship.I really have 2 questions, first can the grandmother get custody without my consent? Second, before I go and hire an lawyer, what are my chances of gaining custody? Thank You!!!


Asked on 7/17/01, 9:24 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Elliot Goldstein Law Offices of Elliot Jay Goldstein

Re: Can I Hope To Gain Custody?

Assuming that you have no criminal record, decent employment, and a stable home life, then your chances are pretty good.

Why didn't you know the whereabouts of your daughter? Was her mom hiding her from you?

You should schedule a formal consultation with a� lawyer.� A good means of obtaining an attorney referral is by contacting your State's bar association or your local county bar association.��� They probably have a web site and charge a nominal fee for the referral.� Most attorneys either provide a free initial consultation, or charge a nominal fee.

Good Luck.-Elliot Goldstein (I also have an office in Tampa)

The above information is provided as a courtesy, without any consideration and without knowledge of the specific facts.� Do not rely on this information. Seek a formal consultation with an attorney.

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Answered on 7/17/01, 1:19 pm


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