I'm having this same issue. My sons father has never been in my sons life. My son is almost 2 years old... furthermore, I took him for child support and he never showed up for court for that. The courts asked me if I know how much he makes I threw a number out and because he refused to answer his phone or come to court they granted an order to be paid. He has never bothered to visit my son and never took him.. I just want full custody. That way I don't have to go searching for him for anything..

So file for full legal custody. What's stopping you?

Yes, file for it, it does not mean he does not have rights, if you wanted to change the child's name or have step parent adopt, even with "full" custody, you have to search for him for those

What if I cannot find him? Isn't there a way to get it? I know there's a way if I can't find him. What's your opinion on that?

He never signed anything. He was claimed father by the courts. He wasn't there for the birth, my son has my last name. I have no numbers or address for him. There has to be a way for someone like me who's ex disappeared after the breakup.

You will have to show a good faith effort to inform him of your petition. What this constitutes depends on location. Contact an attorney who will help you prepare.

Thank you...