Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

I live in Fl. What type of custody do I have over my child. I signed his birth certificate he has my last name. He is down as he lives with his mother but in reality they stay at my home with my parents. My parents and I make all expenses for him. Not one cent from mother or her parents. My child's mother is 16 I'm 17. I have proof of all expenses. Also we still attend school my mother takes care of the baby of 4 months in the mean time. We go to her house maybe 3 times a week to visit for about an hour and sleep their once a week 6 days at my home. what happens if we decide to not be together. Who stays with the baby.


Asked on 2/10/11, 4:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Tracy Newmark The Newmark Law Firm, PA

Even though you are not disputing he is your child, you still have to file an action for paternity determination. In the state of Florida if you are not adjudicated the legal father by a judge then you have no rights to the child. Once paternity has been established (which can be by agreement but needs to be signed off on by the judge) then you as the father can have your rights established by the court and defined. You should do this now while everyone is still on good speaking terms, rather than later when there is some "urgency" that occurs.

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Answered on 2/11/11, 7:53 am


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