I live in Maryland and my one-year old son's father has filed for joint legal custody. I am requesting sole custody with supervised visitation for him. He has destroyed property twice in my home (minor items but I have 2 police reports) plus left a bruise only ONE time when he grabbed my upper arm (I have a picture but that doesn't prove that HE did it even though I know he did). He sees my son when he feels like it which could be every week or sometimes he goes 2 months without seeing him. Also, when my son comes home he is dirty and in a sopping wet diaper, although I have no proof of this. Do you think he will still get joint legal custody in Maryland? Also, do you think he will get unsupervised or supervised visits? This whole thing makes me sick to my stomach, and I'm just wondering if anyone has any clue about what might happen. He's never abused my son or anything like that, but he's not too reliable or trustworthy. I need some help!

I would request it, but I don't think that you will get supervised visits. You would have to prove that he is an unfit father, and that your child is in danger when he is in your exes custody... Although that sounds like it could be neglect. Is hsalways dirty or was it one time? How far does your ex live from you? Does your child tend pee a lot? Things that could come off as negelct but is just simply things that can happen. Are you in fear of your child? Can you prove anything? Try first getting a hidden camera? A nanny cam? Put it in your child's favorite toy or something , have one in your house so that you can see and get proof of how this is playing out.

I live in NY and am going through that same type of situation. In order for the father to get supervised you have to prove that him being alone with your child is not in the best interest of the child. You can request no overnights being that the child is so young and hasn't been away from you. Also, the police reports might just be enough to push the supervised visitations, being that he seems angry, but again you have to push that this is about your child's well being and safety. Plus, if there is no cutody arrangements now, you don't have to allow the father to see him. Get an attorney and let them know how your child has returned, and that's why you won't let him or her go 2 dad'd anymore.

Please keep on eye on the dates - this thread is from 2006 and the OP has not been back.