What Can I Do About A Gatekeeper Mom?

Dealing with a gatekeeper mom can be very frustrating. It can be difficult when you are basically being told that you cannot be in your children's lives when you so badly want to.

Even though you are divorced from their mother, Florida law still entitles you to half the time with the kids as long as you are a fit parent. Once you are ready to contribute positively to their lives, you are legally entitled to be a part of it.

This can be very difficult though when you have to contend with a gatekeeper mom. However, if you are committed to being a part of your children's lives, there are some things that you can do.

ESTABLISH PATERNITY

Now, if your children were born out of wedlock, you should know that the law does not recognize your right to be a part of their lives. Out of wedlock means you had children when you and your ex were not married.

Under Florida law, you are not legally entitled to time with or access to the kids. You are not even allowed to contribute to any decisions on their daily lives.

If you want to be a part of their lives, then you first have to first establish paternity. You need to show that you are biologically the father to the court. You would have to follow the legal procedure for establishing paternity to do so.

GO TO COURT

You are entitled to time with the children under the law; you can enforce your rights in court. If you have no issues with paternity or after establishing paternity, you can file a custody lawsuit with the help of a competent lawyer.

Barring any sort of decision that you are an unfit parent, the court could rule in your favor. This is especially because the courts are very heavy on gatekeepers. You would have time and access to the children and contribute to decisions in their life. However, how much time you can get depends on the court.

BE THERE FROM DAY 1

Even though the court could rule in your favor, the best thing you can do is be there for your ex and children right from day 1. Do not leave your ex alone in charge of the children and then drop in out of the blue, seeking time and access freely.

If you could not be there from day 1, start right now! Show your support and actively try to be involved in your children's lives. Do not think that it’s too late for you to get involved. It’s not too late if you start now!