Hi My name is Jen, My daughter was born may2nd and her father signed paternity papers so that she would have his last name. Stupid of me I know. I want to file for full custody but I'm not sure exactly how it works. Once he is served court papers I'm afraid he will try and take her. What do I do?

What state are you filing in and what do you mean by you are afraid he will take her? Take her as in kidnap her? Define full custody... you want sole legal and physical or just sole physical? Why do you believe you will get sole custody?

If he leaves state after he is served papers depending on the state and court it could be considered kidnapping . You go to juvinille and domestic relations court to file. Physical custody is easier to get than sole cust. Physical custody just means the baby lives with you and he gets visitation which is what most courts grant. Sole custody you would have to show courts he is unfit as a parent or doesn't make decisions in child's best interest. If you aren't sure try legal aid were you live.

Is there a current custody order established? You can file for full custody regardless of which parent's name she has. Her father can likewise file for whatever he wants. Then it'll be up to the judge to make the final decision. Keep in mind that both parents have rights and the judge will not deny any parent unless there are extreme circumstances involved.