Do I need to terminate parental rights?

[colson111]

Right now simply because you weren't married and a DNA test has not been done to ESTABLISH PATERNITY he is legally out of your life because he is not legally the father.

Are you stating that the Recognition of Parentage form is not a legal document?

Waiver of Rights
Important: By Signing this Recognition of Parentage Form, You Give Up Rights Listed Below:
• The right to have blood or genetic testing to prove that the man is the biological father of the child.
• The right to have an attorney represent you.
• The right to a trial to determine if the man is the biological father of the child.
• The right to cross-examine witnesses at a trial.
• The right to testify about who is the biological father of the child.

 

[fght4yrmnd]

Exactly, acknowledging paternity is now the equivalent of a court order after 60 days. Before we signed it we were informed both orally and in writing of the LEGAL consequences, rights, and RESPONSIBITIES arising from paternity acknowledgment. So, I believe he does have the same rights to her as I do, and even though he hasn't made the slightest effort since July to see her or support her. I'm scared one day he's going to decide that he wants to be the "father" to her, and come into our lives and disrupt it after not supporting her or making contact. I just wish there was some way to make sure that this does not happen. But, I guess I will just wait and see. Thank you everyone for taking the time to read my post and reply, I really appreciate it.

 

[3kids4me]

Former Fl. parent

fght4yrmnd,
I lived in Florida, until last year, and had to deal with a parent who was not involved in my child's life for several years, but suddenly decided he wanted to play daddy. First, he was awarded standard visitation because I needed proof as to why he shouldn't be allowed to be around my son. After getting proof, he received supervised visits every weekend. He had signed the birth certificate & that was all the courts required to consider him the legal father. It took two years to finally have his visitation revoked. I have full legal custody and sole parental responsibility for my son. However, at any time his father can drag me to court and refile for custody and visitation which occurred on a monthly basis until he went to jail 8 months ago, for an unrelated issue. I would suggest enjoying life while you can and study up on all of Florida's laws so that when he pops back up you are prepared. Florida holds to the statement "Ignorance of the law is no excuse for not following it"! Good Luck!