Because there are no custody papers involved, should I allow my child to visit with her father/family alone?

Question

Ok..here's my situation...when I found out that I was pregnant my exboyfriend and his family were not very supportive. I was in California at the time (where they live) but my residency was still in Florida, so when they turned their backs on me my only choice for support was to move back to Florida. I put our differences aside and still let them know everything that was going on with the pregnancy and all. The father, however, finally came around and wanted to be apart of things. He wanted to help pick out her name and wanted his name on the birth certificate and asks me how I am doing and how the baby is doing and of course I want my daughter to meet him and his side. Our daughter is due in October and I plan on visiting California the beginning of next year to allow everyone to meet her but because we left everything on such a bad note when I left Im scared of having her visit with them without me being there and because there arent going to be any custody papers involved at that time would they be able to take her from me if both mine and my daughters residencies are in Florida? And do I have the right to stay with her as they are visiting? I want to be able to talk to him about everything to see where his head is at, i just dont know where to start...and suggestions?

Answer 1

Until he’s the *legal* father, he has no rights (of course, you can choose to allow him to see the child, but without your permission he can’t see the child or take the child).  He becomes the legal father either by having his name placed on the birth certificate or being declared the legal father by a court.

Since you're not married, his name can’t be put on the birth certificate unless you both sign a 'voluntary acknowledgment of paternity' which can be done in the hospital after the birth.  So, is he planning to be at the birth?  It doesn't sound like it.  But if he is, sign the form to put his name on the birth certificate and have an attorney on stand-by to immediately petition the court for custody/child support.  

Of course, there are ways to handle it if he’s not at the birth, but it’ll take longer.  

But again, until he’s the legal father, he has no rights.

Answer 2

don't leave anything to chance, call a lawyer and make sure you file for full custody as soon as possible!!!!!!!!!!  don't' let him beat you to the punch on this!!!!!!

better to be too safe than too sorry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!