Be specific. Don't ramble or repeat yourself, and don't include irrelevant information. Don't lie or make assumptions not supported by facts and evidence — include only information that you have personal knowledge of. Don't use inflammatory language or rant about the other parent.
A new law went into effect on July 1, 2023. The law creates a revised procedure for unwed fathers to establish paternity, child support, and visitation. The result is that unwed fathers can now establish parental rights that were previously the exclusive domain of the mother.
The court shall order sole parental responsibility for a minor child to one parent, with or without time-sharing with the other parent if it is in the best interests of the minor child.
If you and the other parent have reached an agreement, you should file a Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a) or a Supervised Safety Focused Parenting Plan, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(b) which addresses the time-sharing schedule for the child(ren).
Under Florida law, an unwed mother is the presumed guardian of minor children, and fathers do not have the same right of custody until a court orders it. Again, this is not to say they are wrong; a court can and may well order the mother to return the children to the state if the father filed for support.
The new law establishes a rebuttable presumption that equal timesharing (50/50 custody) is in the best interest of the child.
Withholding a child without legal justification can result in serious consequences. If a parent withholds their child from the other parent, the court may consider it an act of parental alienation.
Send your Answer to the address stated in the Summons that was served on you with the petition. The Certificate of Service that you completed and filed with the court is your proof to the court that you did mail a copy of your Answer to the other side's attorney, or to him/her.
The Most Common Mistakes Made in California Child Custody Cases. Failing to respond to a child custody case will not make the issue go away. Instead, it could lead to a default judgment. This means that whatever the other party is requesting will most likely be granted by the judge because you have not given any input.