Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Is there a statute of limitations on visitation in Florida for unwed fathers?? My childrens father has not shown any interest in the last 9 years (since we went for child support in 2002) all of a sudden now he wants to have visitation. My kids are now 12,11,and 8. Can he still file even though it's been almost 10 years since the court order for child support was given,and he has left everything on me?? This means I am the custodial parent, correct?? He is almost $8,000 still in arrears for the child support at this time. The kids do not want to have to go with him. How can I PROTECT my kids in case he could file for this?? He is a known drug addict and a violent person who has been violent with me in front of the kids(on record)before. Please help...what rights do I have as a mother that has always taken care of the children??

~mom in crisis


Asked on 7/12/11, 10:34 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Latangie Williams Law Office of Latangie Williams, P.A.

No, he has the right to be in their lives regardless to how much time has passed. If he has a violent criminal history, you may be able to ask that he only receive supervised visitation. The court will take into account that the kids do not wish to be around him, however the "best interest of the child" standard will be applied.

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Answered on 7/12/11, 7:54 pm


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