[bay17]

I have a 2 month old daughter. Her father left just after we found out I was pregnant. He never made the effort to come to any doctors appointments, or ultrasounds. After she was born we had come to a verbal agreement that he would pay me some child support and that it wasn't a problem to see his daughter. I have NEVER denied any of his visits nor any other requests he had. I was advised in the hospital that if we weren't together not to put his name on the papers in which I did not.


He has recently found out that his name is not on the birth certificate and claims he is NOT paying anymore child support and taking me to court for half custody. With having the fact that he only comes to see his daughter once a week for an hour two tops what can I do to gain full custody of my precious daughter?

[stevetcg]

He could certainly be granted joint custody and upwards of 50% physical custody, sure.

Honestly, if he wants joint custody, barring being found unfit (not as easy as it sounds) he will probably get it.

You can increase your chances of full custody by getting a good lawyer. Even that isn't a slam dunk thouhg. After all, he is 50% of what makes up your daughter.

[Synnen]

Wait---so he was good enough to have sex with, but he's not good enough to be a daddy to your "precious daughter"?

Get a lawyer--but personally, I think it would probably be in your child's best interest to have him involved in her life.

Oh... and once you've got that lawyer, get a child support agreement in place.