Help E escape bad adoption law in Florida

New law comes too late for adoptive family.

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- At the end of the month, a new law goes into effect that gives biological fathers 30 days to file for paternal rights over their children. The new law is a welcome change for those seeking to adopt children but comes too late for one Jacksonville family.

For the Scott family, they say the law is two years too late for them. Two- year-old "E", has lived with the Dawn and Gene Scott since he was born. Five months after his birth, "E"’s biological father became involved. His biological father lives in another state and has visitation rights with his son. Now, he says he wants custody. "E's" biological father lives in Maine, and his biological mother lives in Illinois.

His adoptive parents live in Jacksonville. The 2-year-old is caught in the middle of a custody battle. His adoptive parents say if the new law was in effect two years ago, then there would be no conflict.

"[Adopting "E"] has been the most amazing experience to happen for us,"said Dawn Scott, adoptive mother. "He's changed our lives." 2-year-old "E" Scott has a mound of curls and a ton of energy. His adoptive parents, Dawn and Gene Scott, can't imagine life without him. "You dream about him...think about him...can't wait to come home to him, "said Gene Scott, foster father.

Now, "E" is caught in the middle of a custody battle. Five months after he was born, his biological father filed for punitive consent -- giving him the right to fight for custody. Under the new law, a biological father must register consent within 30 days after a child is born. However, the new law has come too late to affect this situation.

"We're just devastated and concerned about where he's going to go," said Dawn Scott. "What's going to happen to him?"