This is the first post in a series which will address a commonly misunderstood topic – the rights of fathers in Melbourne and elsewhere in the state of Florida. I feel it is necessary to write on this issue due to the fact that there are many misconceptions regarding the rights and obligations of parents. My goal in writing on this topic is to provide information which will assist with the selection of a family law attorney. It is also my goal to provide information which will assist with the selection of an attorney. If you or a loved one are in need of assistance then contact my office today to speak with a lawyer.
I will be addressing multiple topics over my coming articles. The issues which I will analyze include:
- 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 why I have chosen to address these issues. First, many err in thinking that the rights of a father or a mother are somehow different. Under Florida law, these rights are presumed to be equal. Second, a dad must immediately exercise his time with his children. The longer he allows the mother to serve as the primary caretaker, then the more likely the Court is to leave that situation in place. Third, if an unwed father allows the mother to move the child out of state, and more than six months go by, then the dad may not be able to bring a child custody action in the state of Florida. Finally, a mother who wishes to collect back child support, after the establishment of custody, will only be able to go back for a specific amount of time.
One point I cannot stress enough is that parents should immediately contact a child custody attorney if they are having issues with their ex. The longer that a father or a mother waits, then the more likely the Court will be to leave the current situation in place. As a Melbourne family law attorney, I regularly handle such matters. Contact my office today to speak with a lawyer. We also service 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.