[nicki714]

My husband recently found out that a child from a one night stand that he had before we were married is his. We have the DNA results and want to do as much for the child as we possibly can, including joint custody and absolutely everything!! The mother of the child isn't necessarily unstable, however, she is absolutely horrid when it comes to interaction with me. She hates me and we know that she is going to do everything in her power to cause problems for our family, that's how everything was initiated in the first place. What is the most that he can do for the child without fighting for sole custody considering that it would be practically impossible to get..? He really wants to take advantage of his rights as a father...

[ScottGem]

You need to get joint legal custody and a set visitation schedule. The latter is very important. You need a schedule that she can be forced to adhere to, but you have to adhere to it as well. And by you I mean your husband since you have no rights here. She can require that your husband picks up and returns the child alone.

And important aspect is to minimize any antagonism between mother and father.

[nicki714]

Because we now live 2 hours away from each other, is it possible to require that the mother meet half way? Are these the only rights that he is given? Could there not be more that he could do to be an active father?

[ScottGem]

First please don't use the comments for follow-up. Use the Answer options.

Yes its certainly possible. Visitation schedules are often a negotiation. What rights do you think he should have. A father has the right to spend time with his child. He also has the responsibility to support his child. What more?