Does The Mother Have The Right to..

What is the name of your state? Florida.

Alright, I had typed out a long explanation before hitting submit and realizing I'm not logged in..but whatever.

Basically what it is this; I am the father of a to-be-born daugther with my ex-girlfriend. We've tried to entire 'let's just be friends' route, but that in itself is shaking as hell, and I really don't the patience to be stressed out by her. Anyway, I'm still trying to be a good father to my child, even when it hasn't been born yet. I mean, I've pretty much PAID FOR EVERYTHING out of my own pocket that the child has now, I'm talking about things that should last this child up until atleast 3-4 years old (Only reason being I'm not going to be in the state of Florida as of Jan 2.) So it's not like I'm just reaching without some kind of justification. I can see if I was being the stereotypical dead beat Dad, who didn't care heads or tails at what happens to the mother or the child, but I'm not - I was raised better than that.

Now, as of January 2nd like I said, I will be moving back home to the Virgin Islands to begin work on my upstart production company, so my time in Florida is going to be extremely minimal. I've posed the question to the mother of the child as to whether or not the child woule be able to visit me in the Virgin Islands, like maybe during holiday season or summer time, whatever, and the answer she gave me was insulting. She basically stated that if I can't make it to Florida to see my child, then the only way I can see it, would be if I brought HER along as well.

First of all, that's a slap in the face, especially since 1. We're not together, 2. I shouldn't have to have a Probation officer to be with my own child, and 3. The fact that I would not only have to pay for the child to come along (Or myself if I go and pick the child up) but the mother of the child as well, and tickets are already half a grand for that type of trip. And I don't feel I should be limited to only coming to Florida, especially since my child's family is located in the VI, and should have that right to see their neice/granddaughter/cousin etc with out difficulty.

My whole issue is this; Legally speaking, I feel do I have a case against her, as she has had a record of NOT being able to hold down a steady job (We've worked at the same place twice, both times she was fired, and recently got a new job a month ago, and was fired only a month into the job...). Not only this, but she has NO Income coming in whatsoever, nor anything saved despite my better efforts to get her to do so - so it's like I'm placing the safety of my child in the hands of somoene that can barely take care of herself and her first child financially, but I don't want to take the child away either - as I know I wouldnt want to be taken away from my own mother. At the same time, I'm still a dumbfounded loss at her denial of my request, unless it meets HER demands.

So my question is this; Does the mother of a child have the right to dictate the terms of when/where/how I can see my own child, especially, if I'm trying to be a good father and provide when needed?

My 2nd question also is this; what is the income percentage for child support in the state of Florida? Right now, my plans were just to give the mother a certain amount a month to help take care of the child while I'm not here, however, if push did come to shove and I had to go through the legal to get a fixed amount, what is the percentage does the state take? I tried to look it up and got too many different answers (ranging from 5% up to 75% -- which I think is odd, so I need a set amount).

I seriously need help here, so hopefully you can provide it.

First you will need to file for custody/visitation in a court of law in Florida.

At this time the mother will have to fit tooth and nail from preventing you from seeing your child or she will compromise and work out a parenting agreement with you so that you are able to see your child.

Just filing may be enough to get her to work out a deal with you.