Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
Unwed Father's Rights to have contact with 17 year old child
I have a 17 year old daughter who would like to build a relationship with me but is not being allowed by her mother. Can the mother legally stop our contact? I am the biological father and am listed on the birth certificate as such. However, I have never had contact with my daughter through any form of media since birth. I did pay child support until the mother refused support to keep me from having visitation rights. My daughter and I both wish to get to know each other through phone calls, letters, emails and eventually maybe even a face-to-face visit with each other when the time is right. I have stayed away so that my daughter could have as normal of a childhood as possible. Her mother is married and her husband has somehow legally adopted her without my consent. I was asked for consent but refused to sign the papers. What are the options for my daughter and I?
Thanks,
A Thankful Father
for a 2nd chance.
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Unwed Father's Rights to have contact with 17 year old child
First, there is no legal connection between paying child support and visitation rights. Further, a custodial parent may not waive child support. Its public policy and law that child support belongs to the child. Its paid to the custodial parent for the benefit of the child.
As to the adoption, when did it occur? If its been any length of time it maybe too late to do anything about it. If you never voluntarily gave up your parental rights. They could have been involuntarily been terminated. To determine how that happened I would need to review those proceedings. As you are in Florida this maybe very hard if not impossible to do. What county did this action take place?
I do free consultations. Feel free to call me.
{John}
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
