Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

I am pregnant and due at any time. The father of my child and I are not married. I told him that she was going to have my last name due to issues between him and I throughout the whole pregnancy. He now refuses to be there when she is born. He stated "she doesnt have my last name she doesnt have me, anything other than that you can speak to my lawyer" i asked for his lawyers name and number and he refused to give it to me. He is in the navy and i'm not sure of the legal in's and out's as far as him not signing the birth certificate and me being able to receive child support. I need to know where I start.


Asked on 7/07/10, 9:02 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Gwaltney William W. Gwaltney, Attorneys at Law

the child does not have to have his last name and he does not have to acknowledge paternity in order for your baby to receive child support. You may have to file an action to establish paternity before you can claim child support, but you are free to do that. You can talk to a family law attorney in your area and he or she can help you with this type of action.

You will probably have to pay the attorney something, but there is the possibility of getting reimbursed for your attorneys fees and costs. Also, since the father is in the military, if you are successful in getting child support for your daughter then the military will enforce the payment of the support.

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Answered on 7/08/10, 10:24 am


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