Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Re: unwed father

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.

If you are the father of a child, you are responsible to pay child support. You should have been notified at the inception of the litigation by service of process. If she has failed to notify you purposely while knowing your address, then you may have some remedy in court but it may not affect the child support which is owed. You will need to have someone review the court file and make copies of it for you if you cannot travel here and do it yourself. Under URISA, child support judgments from one state can and will be enforced in another state so you cannot just ignore this matter. You will either need to hire an attorney or make arrangements to appear yourself to answer to the claims made by the mother and try to lessen the burden. Honestly, it will be a much greater burden to be incarcerated and have no income and possibly lose the custody of your son as a result.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.