This is the last post in my series about fathers’ rights in Melbourne, Florida, a topic that is a common source of confusion to parents. It is important to understand this subject so that fathers involved in child custody situations know their legal rights and obligations. Misunderstandings about our state’s treatment of dads can have long-lasting consequences to all those involved. My goal in this series has been to educate those who may be impacted by these common misconceptions. I also want to stress the importance of selecting a family law attorney to represent you in the process. Contact my office today speak with a lawyer if you are in need of assistance.
This series of articles addressed several key topics, including:
- Common misconceptions about the rights of Florida fathers
- Why fathers should assert their rights immediately
- The consequences of allowing a mother to move out of state
- How Florida deals with “back child support”
There are several reasons these topics are essential for fathers to understand. First, knowing that fathers and mothers will be treated equally under Florida law is very important. This point is frequently misunderstood and can lead dads to make visitation, support and other decisions on a faulty set of facts. Second, one should assert his rights in Court as early as possible in the process, even when on good terms with the other parent. Doing so will ensure that parental rights are memorialized and enforceable should things break down in the future with the co-parent. In addition, preserving visitation rights early in the process will help create a more equal “status quo,” which could prove helpful if a father seeks changes to a court’s order in the future. Third, granting permission to a mother to move out of state with a child can have a major impact on legal proceedings down the road. Lastly, the idea of “back child support” obligations can be scary. Knowing how a Court in Florida handles this issue can help a father decide his best course of action. For these reasons, it is crucial to contact an attorney to discuss your specific situation.
If you or a loved one are facing a child custody proceeding, please contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne lawyer. Child custody decisions are among the most important decisions parents will make relating to their children. It is vital for the parties to have an understanding of their basic rights prior to making decisions for the care and support of their son or daughter. Please contact my office to schedule a consultation with an attorney. We also serve clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores and Orchid.