How Unmarried Fathers Can Protect Their Custodial Rights
If you’ve fathered a child out of wedlock, you may be surprised to know that being listed on your child’s birth certificate doesn’t automatically grant you parental rights. Until you take affirmative steps to establish your rights as a father, only the mother of your child will be considered a natural guardian, and she can even go so far as to place your child for adoption without your consent. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your custodial rights.
Step 1 — File a Notice With Florida’s Putative Father Registry
First, you’ll need to file a notice with the Florida Putative Father Registry, which will put all parties on alert that there’s a pending paternity claim. Once you’ve completed this step, you’ll have to be notified whenever an action is filed relating to your child. This is critical, since you’ll be alerted if anyone files a petition for adoption or a petition to terminate parental rights.
Step 2 — File an Action for Paternity
Next, you’ll need to file an action for paternity. This is where you ask a judge to legally establish your parental rights.
Step 3 — File a Petition to Establish a Parenting Time Plan
If the judge grants your request for parental rights, you’ll be able to ask for a time-sharing plan. If you and the mother of your child can’t come to an agreement as to how to divide your time with your child, you’ll need to file a petition to establish a parenting time plan. The judge will decide how to divide time based on your child’s best interests.
The Firm to Choose for Paternity Cases in the Tampa Bay Area
If you’re an unmarried father and you’re seeking to protect your custodial rights, you can turn to the Law Offices of Audrey A. Jefferis, P.A., for assistance. We work with fathers across the Tampa Bay area, and we’ll do everything we can to help you establish your rights as a father. Contact us today to arrange a consultation — we have offices in New Port Richey and Palm Harbor, and we’re open from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.