Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Should I optain sole custody of my unborn child in case the father is unable to
My boyfriend and I are expecting a child in May. This was a planned pregnancy, and we plan to raise the child together. My boyfriend has had some serious drug problems and as a result has been in and out of jail several times this year. He is currently serving 6 weeks for a VOP and he is still awaiting trial for a DUI. He swears that the drug use is behind him, and I love him enough that I want to believe this is possible. However, I am being urged by friends and family to ensure I obtain sole custody of the baby, under the threat that if it doesn't work out, he could come after me someday for joint-custody or even some sort of financial ''support'' for him! He understands that if he turns to drugs (or anything criminal) again, I will walk out of his life and take the child with me. I guess I want the option to be able to make a clean break. It is important to both of us that his name be on the birth certificate but he has agreed to sign away any parental rights, ''just in case''. (In this worse-case scenario, I am unconcerned with child support). My question is: Is this threat ''real'', or given his criminal past (convicted felon), is this pursuit of sole custody unnecessary?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Should I optain sole custody of my unborn child in case the father is unable
Sounds like you need some advice regarding your child's welfare and I would strongly suggest hiring a family lawyer to assist you in your options. You might try calling our office or another family law practitioner and set an appointment, depending upon your location. We are located in S.W. Florida.
L.Anton
Re: Should I optain sole custody of my unborn child in case the father is unable
I agree with your friends. It is always easier in the early stages then having to fight about what each thought it was. He may have a difficult time at the beginning due to his record, but who knows 5 or 10 years out.
Best of luck,
George Savage