Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Parental Discrimination
Hello,
Would you please help me with my problem by advising me on what can be done with the following:
My father is an extremely well-to-do Medical Doctor in Sarasota, FL who is behaving in a very hatefully discriminating way towards me, his son from his first marriage, by not wanting to treat me as an equal with his children from his second marriage. He has radical Islamic views but my mother was a Christian and I was not raised to have extremist views. His second wife is Muslim from Pakistan and he treats their teenage kids as a responsible parent does. I am 36 years old and never has he shown any inclination to be of help to me - and always lectures me on religion, speaks hatefully of the religion of my mother and refuses to provide even a minimal financial assistance on those rare occasions when I need it. My mother did not sue him for not paying alimony for me before my 18th year because she did not want to ruin the possibility of improvement in relations.
However, recently he has been increasingly insulting and unashamed about his attitude and his words when speaking to me. I wonder if there is anything that can be done legally about his discrimination on the basis of religion against me ??
Alexander
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Parental Discrimination
Since you are no longer a minor, the relationship between you and your father is to be treated as any other relationship between two adults. Neither one of you is obligated to speak to the other. Furthermore, he is not obligated to provide any support for you. If he is calling your home or that of your mother's, you or she can try to get an restraining order in court. As for the arrearage owed your mother for child support, she may be able to petition for enforcement or motion for contempt but depending on the circumstances, he would probably have a defense of laches (too much time passed without asking for the money).
Re: Parental Discrimination
NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.
There is no such thing as parental discrimination. Your father has no responsibility to support or help a 36 year old adult. He can help you if he chooses or not help you if he is so inclined. His legal responsibility to support you stopped when you reached the age or majority.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.
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