[caconnel]

Hi,
I live in Florida. I'm currently expecting. I'd like to think I'm rather intelligent and have it together. Apparently that does not pertain to matters of the heart.
I met a man. We liked each other. I thought I knew him well enough to be intimate. We were intimate unprotected..not smart..I know and now I'm expecting. It wasn't supposed to happen to me!
When I first told him there was a possibiltity of me being pregnant, he was very excited and interested. He said we'd work things out, etc. It's been about two months and that has now all changed. He's not the person I thought I knew. He has not called to see how I am. He does not return calls. The last conversation I had with him he said about two words and I promise, I was quiet enough so he could talk....
My question is...what rights does he have in the state of Florida? Do I have to name him on the birth certificate? I want nothing from him. I, however, do not want him to show up in six months and think he's going to be participating. I knew him well enough to be intimate but I don't know him well enough to let him take my child.
I guess I got duped but I'm looking forward to being a mom!
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[aaron]

Either you or he can pursue a paternity action, which assuming DNA tests confirm paternity would result in his being named as the child's legal father. The custodial parent would then be eligible for child support, and the non-custodial parent would receive visitation (parenting time).

If you don't declare him to be the father, don't seek child support, and don't seek state assistance (such that the state would commence a paternity action), and he does not do so either, you would effectively be the sole parent.

[caconnel]

What if he shows up six months from now and I want nothing from him and want him no where near? I'm assuming he can take me to court and pursue his rights. He's not being supportive at all, dating around, etc. He's not really a person I want involved with my child. Thanks for your help!

[aaron]

It is conceivable that he could decide at some point in the future to bring a paternity action, and assert his parental rights.