What rights as mother do I have to obtain full custody of my child?
First of all, if the father never signed the birth certificate then there is no proof that he is the father, therefore he don't have any rights until he takes a paternity test. So you can with hold visitations from him legally but I would go through and take him to get a paternity test and the whole child support thing. You can request a drug test be done on him and his family if there's drug usage. And all visits until he cleaned up can be requested supervised. But after, it's up to the judge. If he sees it fit that supervision is still needed then it will be so but if he doesn't think that supervision is necessary then it would be really hard to make it that way. The best way is to prove the father an unfit parent. That way you would have full custody.
Child Custody Agreements?
I've done the EXACT same thing. My oldest daughter had an immature father & when she was only 1, dropped her off at my house drunk and had been driving drunk w/ her. I took him to court, and he lost. He ended up losing all custody rights; I got sole custody with him receiving visitation, also he is paying me child support ($600 + 1/2 daycare) and he has every other weekend with her. I did NOT have an attorney btw. But with what you've seen so far, as long as he doesn't pull some lies out of his rear, have faith. I was 18 at the time, there was no way I could come up with 3500 myself. But it worked. Be confident in yourself. You already have justification in why he should not have your baby without supervision. When you go to mediation, in this moment, you will need to remind him of his neglect and not agree to anything. The mediator will then reiterate this information to the judge. You may even get an opportunity to talk to the judge in his chambers - I did. It may still cost somewhere between $100-300 to file. It will take a long time (4 mos)....the court systems a mess. But be patient, and take advantage of the time to get your ducks in line for judgement day. I worote a letter to the judge attached to my court papers when I files them. It was detailed about his drunk driving and neglect in other areas. You'll be fine. So will Baby :)
Do you know of anyone who has ever lost custody of their children to Child Services? If so, why did they lose custody?
My sister has 3 kids aged (at the time) 1, 6, and 8. She had been married for 8 years when her kids were taken away. See, the father was verbally and physically abusive to the oldest boy who was 6. He would hit him and call him dumb and just generally yell at him. We never did figure out why (as if there could be a justification).My nephew went to school and told his teachers that he was being hit by his daddy and as mandated reporters they contacted child protective services. They removed my nephew at the school, my 8 year old niece was at a field trip and they were waiting at the bus to take her, they went to take my niece from home who was only 1. They took all 3 kids although “only” one was being abused because to child welfare abuse includes putting them in a dangerous situation.My sister was forced to take parenting classes and separate from her husband in order to get the kids back from foster car. I tried to gain custody of them but during the background check process it was discovered that the grandpa (of all people) had a non excusable crime on his record so I wouldn’t be able to get them unless he moved out or I did which neither was an option.After many court cases and too few visit my sister was finally given back full custody of her 3 children after a year and a half. Her youngest baby barely knew her. Even after getting custody of her kids back she still had to deal with frequent visits from child protective services.
What to expect from child services home visit (long)?
Sometimes they will personally ask the child how you are treating them and what they do on the regular basis. I think you pretty much have everything down pack just make sure your dressed presentable and make sure no dangerous objects are around or smoking, anything poisonous to the child. If you have any educational things like A, B, C. Make sure things like that are visible so they can see your teaching the child and making sure they have an education.
What if I don't want custody of my child post-divorce?
This is so sad, strangely I was talking to my mum yesterday who was telling me about a guy she used to work with.When his parents split, they went to court and both stated they did not want the kids. They had 6. Social services had to come and tell these kids that neither parent wanted them. When the guy, who at this point was around 30 was talking to my mum about this, she said there were tears in his eyes at the pain of not being wanted.Luckily the oldest child was old enough to take on the council tenancy (not sure if it would be 16 or 18) and so he did. The eldest and the second eldest (the one talking to mum) looked after all the kids and raised them as best as they could. Social services monitored the situation, the kids went to school and were clean enough so were fine. The two eldest had to work to support the family, which meant no more education and they were still poor. Occasionally a woman from the street would help them with the washing or cook them a meal.So, no, you don't have to look after your kid, but the pain of not being wanted will be with them forever. This family were lucky in who cares for the children, but you can't guarantee that kind of live will happen with adoption, especially as the child is older, people want babies…
Difference between joint and full custody?
Joint custody is when both parents share resposibility 50/50 with the childs upbringing, including time, cost and insurance. Parents living in 2 different counties would have to each have the child for 6mo. out of the year in a joint custody arrangement. If you were to have sole custody, he would have to pay support and the details would be defined in court. Like how much support, outlined visitation, insurance, etc. If you move, changing schools would be up to you as the child goes where you go. In joint custody case, things like changing schools is generally decided by both parents as the child is supposed to be with both equally. Under both custody arrangements, the non custodial parent can legally object to letting the child leave the country and it would be up to the courts to decide. As to some of the answers you are receiving, I dissagree. My daughter wanted what was best for her child. She got along great with her X and his family. When they went to court, they opted for joint custody. By the time the court papers were finalized, her X began ignoring the child for the most part, she still visited with his mother and sisters often. Until one of his sisters had a child, then they rarely want her around. To date, her X has paid $0 support, never covered her insurance and hasn't seen his daughter for at least a year. Since they have joint custody, it's hard to prove he hasn't been involved. It's hard to even get into court due to details in their original agreement. I would strongly advise sole custody with visitation and support outlined and monitored by the courts. BTW, He won't really loose anything, it will just give you more say-so, as it should be since you have her with you. You can let him visit as ofter as you like.
What can happen if I move to another city with my child during a divorce?
For better or worse it is a concern that you don’t seeem intent on consulting your ex , and ex or not or prison or not he still has rights in regards the childIt’s also a bit concerning that you are referring to the infant as “my child” , he/she is not “your” child and regardless of your personal relationship with him that fact simply won’t change so you need to factor that into your thinking going forward