[Saintigor]

My exwife left town while I had our children. She has been out of contact for over a week. She is the custodial parent. I am between jobs and cannot afford legal advise. I don't mind having the children. I want to know what agencies I should be contacting about this and what my options are. Should I be filling for custody? I don't know if she plans to return she has left no means to be contacted and has made no attempt to contact me. I know she left town with her boy friend that is and they were planning to go to redding CA. The children are with me in Scotts Valley. They usually reside in San Jose. Wich county do I seek answers in Santa Clara or Santa Cruz? If she Shows up out of the blue what our my rights? Any help or direction towards help will be much appreciated.

[GlindaofOz]

Do you have a legal aid center nearby? They usually provide counseling on a monetary sliding scale.

I imagine you would have to notify the court that she has abandoned the children and there would have to be modification to the custodial agreement. But I would do something fast so that you show that she has abandoned them.

[s_cianci]

File an immediate motion for custody. Be sure to describe all of the circumstance just like you did here. I know you're financially strapped but you really should have a lawyer for this. Try to find the means any way possible to pay for one. Act fast, as she may come back or try to send for them at any time.

[bushg]

Go to the courthouse and file for emergency custody. It used to only cost about fifty dollars. Or get up in the morning and call domestic relations they will tell you what to do over the phone.