Greetings:

OK I need help with this
My daughter have been living with me since she was 6 her Mom has full custody of her by court when my kid was around 2 or 3 that's when we got divorced and the court gave her custody. She left her with my mother right after that I was helping my mother until my kid was 6 then she moved in with me. her mother was OK with my daughter moving with me to Florida.

She has never pay any child support I never requested child support from her because I was afraid of her getting upset about that. I did not want to provoke her and then retaliate and come to Florida and take her away from me with her custody papers. my child deserve a lot better than that. She has been very happy with me my girlfriend and her sister she's a straight A student
she has been so good in school that she's one year ahead she skip one grade. My girlfriend and I have been together for 10 years we have a 7 year old kid together my 2 kids are inseparable.

My kid now is 14 the one from my first mariage what can I do for child support?
Can she still take her away from me after she's been with me for 8 years?
My kid has it all even things I never had when I was young she's very healthy well educated and very active in school
I just don't know what to do I just can't put her through some dispute over child support and hurt her feelings.

We know her mother's address in California she's never in contact with my kid. I'm lost here with this issue
can my kids school records help me prove to the court that with me she has become an outstanding kid wile been with me?
Can my kid In the sate of Florida refuse moving with a mother she doesn't know that much?
Can her mother take her away after all this time if she gets angry about me asking for child support?
Please guide me to do the right thing for her without hurting my kid. My kid has it all she's not in need but now that she's 3 years away from going to college I think is time for her Mom to help us out not because we are desperate just because I think is time for her Mom to step up and helper financially my kids goals is to be a marine Biologist and I think her mom should help me to make my kids dream come thrugh. I'm just afraid of this Loving family of our been broken up because child support.

sorry for so many questions at once I hope you guys understand where I'm coming from

thank you very much for your time

Hi there. I dont live in Florida but I am familiar with a few things here in Louisiana that may or may not help you out. First thing you need to do is consult a lawyer. Not just any lawyer, a GOOD one with a reputation for being tough as nails. Ask around for recommendations. Not just a couple of people but everyone you know. Take your time. A good laywer will be recommended more than once. You need someone who will fight for your rights not just accept whatever your ex wants to do. At your daughters age, any court system in the country will take into account her wishes as well. With no support or contact from her mother for so long, you should not have much trouble filing to be granted full custody. It might be wise to quietly contact your ex and see what her current situation is, employment etc. Beginning a simple correspondence will help you discern how much resistance you may get from her on your isses, both financial and getting legal custody as well. You may want to consider whether it is really worth the time and legal expense and possibility of years of drawn out court battles for support that will end in 4 years anyway. It is at least worth the price of a consultation to consider all the legal issues though. Good luck to you and your daughter and congrats on doing such a good job with her. She is a lucky little girl and I am sure she realizes it.