My ex is carrying my baby and sadly due to a number of reasons the relationship has broken down. I know I can't do anything until the child is born but then what? I'm not saying she is a bad mother but she's currently sharing a bedroom with her young son in a house she's about to be evicted from. Her only income is working as an 'alternative model' she could not cope with her 1st child and ran away, only getting him back recently, he's now3. She's had a hard past and has a few issues. I am in a very respectable job, good income, stable home and a good support network. Would I stand a chance of gaining custody when the baby is born? How long does the process take and anything I can do now?

We can't tell you what your chances are but it doesn't hurt to try. You will need to go to court and its best to hire a lawyer. Get a DNA test and become the legal father and ask for custody.

You should file for primary physical and joint legal custody as soon as the child is born. You may only get visitation but it doesn't hurt to try.