[kemr]

Found out while in prison I have an eight year old daughter. I cannot leave the state for 3 years while on parole. I have been cheated out of so much. Can I get joint custody one year me one year her split medical and dentist cost?

[cdad]

Not likely at this point. And not because you're an ex-con. Its because if you have been missing from your child's life for 8 years (voluntary or not) you will need a "get aquainted" period with your child. Then after that assuming your on track then longer visitation is possible up to and including whole summers. Later down the line things may change but don't force your child into anything they don't want. At this point you're a stranger no matter how much of a dad you are. Tread lightly until you get a handle on all of this.

[kemr]

She never told me she just had a paternity test done. I would have been there from the start

[kemr]

So now she is just talking child support I have no problem in helping a child that is mine or someone else's but, I want to share in the happiness as well as the bbad times

[cdad]

Then you may need a lawyer to help you gain access. It might start with phone calls etc. And build from there. But your going to need to go to court to excersize your rights.

[Fr_Chuck]

In most cases, it will not matter that she never told you, And your reason you were in prison may make a difference. As would her back ground.

1. you will be assigned child support, support is not connected to visits.

2. I see no chance of any joint custody at this point, I would say the court would order supervised visits though or with a counselor to start, with counseling for the child to get them adjusted to having visits with a father they did not know. After that, longer visits and then in a longer time, perhaps a level of joint, but then as the child gets older they will have the ability to say what they would like, but the court does not have to agree.

Your PO would most likely allow show visits outside of state to see your child.

[kemr]

What about my mother she is a correctional officer and she feels so cheated. This woman should have found me when she knew she was pregnant and I would have changed my life before prison. Do grandparents have rights

[cdad]

In some states grandparents have rights under certain situations. But at a minimum visitation would have to have been ongoing. In a case like this then it would be unusual to have the grandparent rights extended.

[J_9]

Can I get joint custody one year me one year her

This is unlikely as well. Uprooting a child year after year can be harmful to the child. At best you will get holidays and summers.

[Synnen]

Are you KIDDING me?

You are thinking of YOURSELF, not your DAUGHTER.

Think of what is best for HER, and go with visitations that are much shorter to start with so that she can get to know you. YOU are a stranger to her.