How can prove, to the courts, that my daughters mother is unfit to have full custody of our child?

Question

I am a 32 yr old single father. I currently have 20% time share with my 8 year old daughter per court order. In reality though I have my daughter just about everyday. I currently pay about $549/mo. in child support. Jana, my daughter's mother, is recently unemployed again, works under the table as a stripper for cash, and neglects both her kids(the 2yr old is not mine biologically but I have raised her since birth and she no no one else as dad except me). Everytime I make a police report due to contempt of court order it seems that I get punished by Jana. Jana will not let me have contact with Alicia-our daughter. I don't know where to turn for help or who to contact to begin an investigation. I want custody of both children to help these kids grow up normal and with constant stability. Any information that helps me obtain custody of my little girls will be forever appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

get ahold of your local welfare department and ask them to do a home visit to see if the kids are in any danger.if the house is unsafe OR filthy or the mom is neglecting the kids health or welfare in any way you will then have something to present to a court for custody.also if you have the kids as much as you say you do you would not have to pay her support.get ahold of the friend of the court and ask for a change in custody.if the kids are dirty,bruised or under fed take pictures.the 8 year old can tell you if anything is going on and what kind of people hang out there and if mom leaves her and the baby alone,or if men stay the night.find out and good luck.

Answer 2

if you wanted proof of her habits you might want to contact a local private investigator who can document her comings and goings.
contact the courts to see what information you to pursue full custody based on the info you stated above. they might have a legal aid or free legal assistance in your area that can point you in the right direction.
have your 8yor keep a journal of moms behavior when in her presence.
if anyone has whitnessed or observed the neglect make sure you have their contact info for courts as they might be called to testify to the moms actions.
make sure you have copies of the police reports.
if you feel there is neglect - no food - dirty conditions etc- contact the police when the kids are there and ask for them to do a *check on the welfare* , let them know your 8yo told you they are neglected by mom, they can have an officer go to the home to see the conditions and how the kids are being treated. chances are the officer will write a report for court purposes. if they find neglect they can choose to have the kids removed and put in your charge that day.

best of luck with it all. thank god you are putting the children first!!!

oh in ref to the child that's not yours... ask the courts how you file to be that childs guardian- do you know who the real dad is?

ps - if the court papers say you are allowed to contact the 8yo when with mom and she refuses- report that to the police and family court - violation of court order. whatever is in the papers that she doesn't do or allow you to do- report it to family court and / or the police

Answer 3

Look at your divorce papers....it says you cannot use the child in any manner to keep them from the other parent...to do so will result in custody rights being pulled from that parent.
Take pictures of the kids when picked up ..if dirty..keep a log on how they look with dates. Ask others who are close to the situation to keep an eye out for anything unusual and whoever babysits the girls for any info(which is your right). Watch for any bruising, change in personality and personal hygiene. Pictures say more than words and so does camcorders. But when using one ....don't lead the kids answers. Let them tell the story..........
Be sure there is food in their home and electric and water........this again is your right.!
Good luck...with both girls. PS-___also find out who else lives in the household and if there is a criminal record involved

Answer 4

I don't think she should even see the kids because No Mom should ever be a stripper that would effect the kids alot when they grow up. Just put up a cam in the house and see what she does with the kids and show it to the courts =]

Answer 5

there are private investigators.

you might need witnesses if you want to take this to court.

your ex hasn't the right to deny you visitation.

consult an attorney also.

good luck. it's awful when kids are put in the middle of this sort of mess.. i hope you will avoid that sort of thing.

take care.