Do I need my son's father's consent to get family counseling with my new family?

Question

I was never married to my son's father. I haven't seen him since 2002. I haven't gone to court over custody or child support. Do I have sole custody?

Answer 1

Yes you do have sole custody since there has never been a court ordered filed that you share joint custody. You do not need to get the father's consent unless in the event he decides and sue you for sole or joint custody.

Answer 2

Counseling no, your allowed to seek treatment for your child and self. If you have no custody order then he has no rights to custody of the child, thus you'd have sole custody. Even it he did have custody rights you still have the right to seek counseling for your son and self.He (your ex) would have to attain rights via the court system to retain visitation/custody rights. I would however look into having his rights terminated, there are situations in which you'd need his permission (such as international travel- if U.S. citizens) if he is listed on your son's birth certificate.

Answer 3

No you will not need to get consent. You do have custody of your child, but you should go to court and fill out the paperwork to make it official so that he does not come back and give you fight in the future.

Answer 4

I am happy to hear you are finally getting counseling.

Since you don't do things legally most of the time anyways I don't see why this should be an issue now.

Answer 5

Get a lawyer who can advise you about your custody issues. You don't need his permission to treat your son. That's like saying if your son has cancer, do I need his absent father's permission to treat it? Emotional illness is no different.

Answer 6

If he hasn't made any effort then I would say yes. He has no say weather you go to counseling or not. You are trying to better your life; so don't worry about what he thinks or dose.

Answer 7

yes, you can go to court and get child support