Q: What do I have to do to have legal rights with regard to my daughter?
I am not listed as my daughter's father on her BC because at that time I did not want to be part of it. I showed up 2 years after she was born and now want to be part of her life. The mother lives with her and her older sister (not my daughter) in FL and I live in SC. What do I have to do if the mother is uncooperative (blocked on phone, phone number changed, blocked on FB, etc.) and does not want me to have anything to do with my daughter? Do I need to hire a lawyer? or Is this something that I can do on my own? I am kinda short on money. Also, I want her to be able to spend time (at least her summer vacations) in SC with me. Is that a possibility? Not going to lie, the mother is an excellent one and I do not know anything that I can argue against her.
A: You need to file a Petition for Paternity where the mother and child live. You will get a timesharing plan and also a child support obligation. A lawyer is not required but you should achieve a better result with proper legal guidance.
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