Custody Following Newly Established Paternity

My two cents, going through this as the Dad, under different circumstances (the mom in my case is a train wreck). The child is 3 now and has had normalcy in his life for 3 years, the Father didn't try to see the child. If you go to court, he would have to explain himself and show that there is some significant change that occured to change the childs "normal" schedule.

I would guess the best he would get is every other weekend, but I can see as the child isn't used to him or comfortable, it would start with supervised visits and ease into every other weekend. Just a guess, but what I've seen in all my time spent in court with my ex and hearing other trials before ours.

But... are you located in Florida?

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Quoting MommyRN5

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I understand that. But my question is IF he doesn’t attempt to see our son or file anything now that paternity is established, will that have any impact on custody if he were to file in a year, for example.

Assuming he pays his child support obligation but doesn’t attempt to see our son.

I want to build up to 50/50, but I’m just trying to get a general idea of the outcomes of various scenarios.

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If he files in a year and he hasn't made any attempts to see his kid and he doesn't show up when you give him time then that's going to hurt him in the long run when he files for custody or visitation.

It doesn't matter what he asks for - it doesn't mean he will get it. So if he's not filing for custody right now and he's not filing for visitation and he doesn't ask you for any visitation I can't see him getting 50/50 if he continues that for a year. Like the other poster said he would likely start out at supervised and could work his way up to 50/50.

I would go talk to a lawyer.

Dogmatique, do you have any thoughts?

I appreciate your brutal honesty, and you seem to be familiar with Florida. Wondering if you have any other things to contribute

Just wanted to follow up.

Judge ordered 25k in retro, and $250/week moving forward.

He has missed two payments so far, and has not said one single word to me since the court hearing nearly 3 months ago.