Lakeland, FL asked in Family Law for Florida

Q: My daughter passed away last September and I am the caregiver however the father has recently been released from prison

and he wants weekend visiting but he is a stranger to my youngest granddaughter he spent most of her life denying he was her father. My oldest granddaughter is 9 and remember him choking her momma and all the fighting. We have taken them to have an assessment with a therapist and they are on a waiting list to begin therapy. Can he come and take them from my care just because he is the father of record? I have agreed to let him start a call schedule however he has only called twice. I need advice as to what to do to ensure I'm doing the right thing for my grands.

Thank you for your time

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1 Lawyer Answer
Rand Scott Lieber
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Answered
  • Hollywood, FL
  • Licensed in Florida

A: You need to seek guidance from the court. Is there a court order that makes you the caregiver? Is there a court order that defines the father's rights? If not then you need to get one. You will not be able to exclude the father from the children's life but the court will make sure that anything that happens is in the children's best interest. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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