I am currently not married to the father of my daughter, but we have been living together for a year and a half in Kentucky. We have never legally or socially introduced ourselves as a married couple, nor do we file taxes together. We have never been to court over custody or paternity issues in concerns to our child. I'm afraid that our relationship is at it's end and I would like to return to California to live with my mother. He is a great father and I do not want to separate them, but I can not lead a healthy safe life here in Kentucky without the support I would receive in California. Legally, what are my options, what are our options?

Your options are to stay where your at unless the father wants to move along with you. How can you say he's a great father and then want to rip the child from his life ? Maybe it would be easier if you left the child with him and went back on your own.

I'm sorry, I wasn't aware there something the matter with saying that it is best for my daughter to see the example of two parents living exemplary lives as individuals, as oppose to substandard lives as a couple. The idea that bad parenting and bad relationships go hand in hand is dated, and insulting. It is a matter of truth that he is a great father, and a good man, but we are not good for each other. My hope is that unless you have feed back that is positive and helpful, as oppose to condescending and judgmental, that you would spare me your feedback. Thank you.

1) Sorry you don't get a choice.

2) I didn't say remian in the relationship for the child.

I had suggested that you should remain in the state and not rip the child away from a "great father". If you decide to leave you could be forced back should he choose to pursue it. So what's the point and expense of the aggrivation ? Find a place your comfortable at there and make of it what you can.

What you seem to not understand is that, until a court says differently, both parents have equal rights to their child. Assuming he is on the birth certificate he is the legal father and has such rights.

If you move without his permission, he can get a court order to force you to return or, at least return the child to him.

You ask what your legal options are, but what you need to be concerned of are his rights.