Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Paternity / custody

My ex-wife and I were divorced in Tenn. She now resides in St. Pete. and I reside in Texas.

The first issue deals with my oldest daughter who is seventeen and has just had an abortion after becoming pregnant while in the custody of her mother. She came to visit me and now has decided to stay. Her mother is manipulating her as she always has. My oldest daughter failed the 10th grade last year and has missed much of the school year this year.

The second issue is my youngest daughter (age 14) whom was told two weeks after my exwifes second marriage ended that her new lover whom she had a relationship with which caused our divorce, and whom she is now married is my daughters biological father. My youngest daughter has missed over one half the total school days this year.This news has caused her issues with her identity and self esteem in my opinion.

What would the cost be?

What would my options be with the paternity? i.e.' taking custody if she is mine. Having the mother and her husband be financially responsible if she is not. Visitation rights since I have financially raised her.

Would the case be fought in Florida, Tenn., or TX?

Taking custody of my 17 year old

Any advice would be appreciated.

Thank you


Asked on 5/17/00, 10:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: Paternity / custody

The 17 year old can make an election to remain in your custody. I assume that your divorce decree contains a finding the both of these children are children of the marriage. Thus, according to the decree, they are both yours to support. You might have an action for fraud against your ex-spouse and the alleged father. That would probably have to be filed in Fla. where your ex and other resides.

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Answered on 7/05/00, 5:43 pm


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