I live in Wisconsin, Im not sure if the law is different with other states. I am not married to this man, but he knows he is the father of my daughter due in March. How can I get full custody of my daughter, What are my options? Or the best way to handle the situation?
2006-12-11 14:46:15 · 18 answers · asked by natalie rose 3 in Family & Relationships ➔ Family
Simple, don't tell him when you go to the hospital to deliver. When you fill our the birth certificate info, give her your last name, and leave the fathers portion blank. (DON'T PUT UNKNOWN IN. Later on you may want your future husband to adopt her and the blank spot makes it easier.)
Simple.
2006-12-11 14:49:12 · answer #1 · answered by sixcannonballs 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The father is supposed to sign an acknowledgment of paternity. If that doesn't get signed, then it will be harder for him to get any kind of custody. Are there really bad things about him that you know of that could help you in court procedures? Just be ready and don't back down to the fight, because his lawyer is going to try to make you the scum bucket of the earth. Just remember, your lawyer is going to do the same to him. Plus remember that regardless, he will be able to get visitation. Just make sure the time is good for you. For two reasons:
1-it is convenient for you
2-it is not as convenient for him, which means, he will be more likely not to show up. And the judge won't be too happy.
Be sure to write everything down! From the time and day he picks the baby up, to any marks or bruises, anything that doesn't look well, to the date and time he drops the baby off. And don't forget the times he doesn't show up.
There are lots of books at the library on child custody. Read them all. You have time! There are specifics on different state laws.
And don't forget, if his name is on the birth cert. and you don't have a court ordered custody agreement, and he comes over to take the baby, and you call the cops, it is possible for the cops to let him take the baby. They are jerks, and you know the father will say that he will bring him back at a certain time.....Make sure you have a court order!!! It happened to me!
2006-12-11 23:02:24 · answer #2 · answered by besitos2610 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You cannot get full custody of the child if the father wishes to share custody. You can file with the courts for full custody, but if he shows up, you will have joint custody, and since you are filing so soon after the child's birth (and I'm assuming that you are), you will be awarded primary/residential parental rights. You cannot deny the father visitation or custody of his child. If he is an unfit parent, though, make sure the courts know this.
Good luck!!
2006-12-14 00:35:57 · answer #3 · answered by Bachman-ette 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're not married, you should have full custody at birth. If you plan on putting his name on the birth certificate, be careful! I don't know the law in your state, but that may give him legal rights (though I think he has to sign his name as an admission to parentage ). However, considering your status as single, it would probably take a court proceeding to establish any other parental right to custody. Enjoy your daughter, and congratulations.
2006-12-11 23:02:29 · answer #4 · answered by fragilemind30 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well if you have good reason to have full custody, than a lawyer should be able to present a good case for you. However, if the father of your child is interested in being a part of your child's life and is a responsible person, than it's probably best for your child to have him in his/her life. Before you take this matter to the courts, at least consider sitting down with the father and discussing a schedule that will allow the child to have time with both of you and still maintain a good home life.
2006-12-11 22:52:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are not married to him, will he sign the birth certificate? Just a few first questions. You are automatically the sole guardian of your child regardless. You are her mother. If and when he should attempt to fight for custody he have to prove you are unfit. The only way you will not have custody if you signed over your rights during your pregnancy to give the child up for adoption to the father.
2006-12-11 22:50:01 · answer #6 · answered by Kay_Ladee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact an attorney now. I live in Wisconsin too. If you really want the most likely return of a favorable result you should contact an attorney. You will need to provide reasons that you should be get sole custody, so start documenting your reasons now.
2006-12-11 22:50:06 · answer #7 · answered by Paul H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, I don't know your situation or the laws of Wisconsin. Can you just proceed as if you don't know who the father is and hope that he doesn't pursue the issue. You know, with the cost of day care, health insurance and everything else, you may need his involvement. Plus, the child really has the right to know her family--dad, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. I hope you can articulate the reasons why this man shouldn't be part of his child's life. Good luck to you all.
2006-12-11 22:52:35 · answer #8 · answered by Darby 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First try to discuss this with the father.. the easiest way to attain custody is an agreement out of court first...but court is usually the case... mothers tend to always gain custody of the child as long as your records are clean and you have established yourself as a sucessful finanically independent person...
2006-12-11 22:50:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is he fighting for custody or planning to? If he is, then get a lawyer and she can answer any questions you have. If he's not, then you have custody of her until a court battle, if he ever chooses to challenge custody, then, you get a lawyer again. Try these sites since I don't have very good answers..
2006-12-11 22:50:43 · answer #10 · answered by Jessica S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like the 2nd answer says, don't tell the father when you go into labor. When you are filling out the birth certificate info. don't put in his name. My sister did this for her son. The father knew that she was pregnant with his child, but he was an a**hole and didn't do anything even after he and his family would help. So when she went into labor she never told him, and she never put his name on the birth certificate. So DO NOT put his name on it. Then he has no rights.
2006-12-11 23:11:11 · answer #11 · answered by TheRaven_poe 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋