[sidcarlton11]

My child's mother & I were never married and never lived together.. when my daughter was 6 months old shewas left on my door step.. I haven't heard from the mom in 4years and now she is calling and texting me that she wants her child back! We live in Fla.. what can I do to prevent her from just showing up and taking her? Please help!#

[dontknownuthin]

First, see a family law attorney in your area. You will need to get a court order in place to secure the child being with you temporarily until a judge can hear the matter and determine whether she should see the child, and what the arrangement should be.

Second, establish paternity. Go have a test done so you can prove you are the child's father. If you are the child's biological father, given that you have been taking sole care of the child for four years, you have a clear advantage in remaining the custodial parent. If she is a flight risk with the child, you can ask for supervised visitation. If the chid doesn't know her, you can express your concerns about suddenly having this stranger in the child's life expecting an immediate parental bond.

If drugs or alcohol have been an issue, you can request proof of sobriety as a condition for parenting time as well.

Don't panic but don't ignore the situation - you do need a lawyer before she shows up at your door.