[Mrs_Ragland]

Okay, I have read most of the questions and answers already but still I have a few questions. So here goes. I live in PA and I am going through a custody battle with my ex boyfriend. He was able to obtain emergency custody by lying in court w/o me present. Now, I had to move into a domestic violence shelter but because there was little physical abuse I had no grounds to file a restraining order. Since this he has come at me with support knowing that I do not have a job currently and I am raising my other daughter with my fiancee'. He harasses people and continues to tell me if I would just love him again this would all go away! What can I do legally to rid him of my life? I have thought it through and believe that giving up my rights to my daughter may get him away from my new family, he was in a car accident and his doctor has stated he is disabled and can't work because he has sleep apnea! But, he can golf! His family has money and the pull in his county, which is how he's gotten this far. What in the world can I do?? Please Help!:confused:

[stinawords]

Well you can pay the support that you owe. Other than that I don't really see you being in a position to fight for custody again especially if the custody was just awarded to him. Just like a father you can not sign over your rights unless he is remarried to a woman that wants to adopt. Why were you not in court when the judge awarded him with custody?

[aaj2008]

Yeah.. thats why you go to court when you have a hearing... thats probably why he honestly got custody... shows that you were not responsible enough to even show up in court, judge is thinking well how can she be responsible enough to raise a child. Um... you can try to bring up harassment charges against him. You could probably even go to court to gain some kind of every other weekend custody but that's going to be hard... ya know what... go talk to a lawyer

[ScottGem]

You didn't read carefully enough. I don't see any grounds for you to relinquish rights to your daughter. Especially since you are required to pay support.

Why weren't you present at court? Can you prove he lied?

You do have an option here. Since he has custody, you can just pay the support and not have anything to do with your daughter. If the father tries to get in touch with you, you refuse contact. If he continues to harrass you keep a record and then try to get a restraining order against him.

You can't be forced to exercise your rights, but you can't give them up either.

[Mrs_Ragland]

Thank you all for your responses. But, to clear the record I was on a bus to Pittsburgh to the Domestic Violence Shelter with my 10 month old daughter to get away from him! He had gotten the court date within 48 hours and it was my only ticket out safely with my other daughter. Long story I guess. Thanks again!

[ScottGem]

Then you go back to the court and explain. The Shelter may have some legal support for you.

[Mrs_Ragland]

Yes, Thanks again! All the support and answers helped!