[LucasJ]

My girlfriend and I have a son who is 15 months old. Since he was born I have provided everything for him and his mother. I give them a place to live and provide all of the food, pay all the bills, etc. She is unemployed and has been for 2 years now. I work from 5:00pm to around 3:00am. Then I wake up at 7:00am to take care of him while she is attending here college classes until I return to work. I have put everything I can into this relationship and yet she gives nothing on her end. It's to the point I want out but am afraid I'll lose my son. Considering she has no place to go around where we live, the closest family she could live with is 2 states away (about a 12 hour drive) and I know she would take our son and I would hardly ever be able to see him. Is there anyway I can get full custody of him or if I leave do I have to prepare to lose him as well?

[cdad]

First thing you need to do is decide what you want to do. If a breakup is imminent then file first and get everything in line. If you wait and she leaves the state it will be much harder.

[ScottGem]

I doubt if you can get full custody. But if you file for joint legal custody with frequent visitation, you may be able to forestall her moving from the area. Once a visitation schedule is established, she would be constrained from moving where you would not be able to exercise that visitation.

I'm curious about your statement that she gives noting to the relationship. Does she care for the child? Does she neglect the child? What do you want her to put in? She's not working and going to school, do you expect her to contribute financially?