Mom of two Not sure where else to turn for answers and help

[Michelletheluck]

I am 24 and a mother of two small children. My oldest is two and youngest is 1.. I have a very limited income and can not find anyone to help me with my questions and the search engines kept sending me here so hopefully someone can help..

I was never married to my children's father although we were together for a while. He walked out in December. He gave me 140 dollars in Jan. and has since then given me nothing has not called to check on the kids not called to see them etc. I have forced him to see them 3 times.. the last time was in March I believe.. Its obvious to me that he has no wish to see them just by his actions..
Here is where my real issues are.. I am a full time student trying to get my pct certification and i work when i am not in school my job recently cut my hours to 14 a week... I am having trouble buying groceries.. The kids and I live with my parents but only my dad works and they have a small income.. Things have now become very tight.. I'm getting ready to file for child support but I am afraid. I want to know if i can file for full custody... He is 70%disabled with PTSD and 10%with his back... He says that if I file for support he will take them away from me.. He could never handle them crying let alone help me take care of them in any way.. I can't get anyone to help me with my questions the one lawyer i contacted wanted two hundred dollars just to meet with me to answer my questions and I can't afford that. Please I need some advice

[Attorney Howard Iken]

First of all, you should apply to legal aid. Here is a directory of legal aid offices:

http://www.floridalegal.org/Director...ectoryJuly.pdf


Based on the situation, I doubt very much he can successfully take them away from you.

The next step will be applying to get a support order. It will not settle the custody issue, but it sounds like you need money. Call the Florida Dept of Revenue, child support Enforcement office. Or they have an online app:

FL Dept Rev - Child Support Enforcement