I went to prison 12 years ago for 288(a). The case had nothing to do with my son who is now 14. My mother was granted temporary guardianship of him but now makes excuses why he cannot come down to live with me or even spend summers with me. She always makes the excuse that CPS is going to come take him. My mother has since moved him to Oregon with her about 5 years ago. I have a good job and a stable place that I have been for the last 3 years.. I cannot afford an attorney but am desperate because I miss my son and he misses me. Do I have any legal rights as a father even though I have been to prison. I had never been in trouble before or after. I just want to raise my son and not have to wait till he is 18. Do I have rights?

Hello R:

Sure you have rights... But, you have to go to court to SECURE them. I know you don't have money, but you don't have much of a chance without a lawyer.

If you have a good job, I'd spend as much money as it took to get my son. If you shop well, I'm sure you can find a family attorney who you can make payments to.

excon

I would
1. find an attorney that will take payments
2. get on a real tight budget to afford an attorney
3. check with legal aid society for free legal help

Unless they took your rights away, you could ,
File for full custody
File for visits and more