My children's father and I have never been married. He is not on any of the birth certificates for our two children. Our children are ages one and four. He only comes to see the kids when he feels like it. Most of the time he has been drunk. He has told me recently that he is going to take me to court to get full custody of the kids. His reason in doing so is because I am struggling with bills and keeping a job. I plan on downsizing to make my bills more affordable. By downsizing I plan on moving into an RV temporarily. My children's father does not like this idea because he thinks that my one year old and four year old will be negatively affected by this move. He believes that it will traumatize them. Therefore, he thinks taking them from me would be a better idea. He lives with his mother. He has a full time 12 hour job. He has a criminal record and has been violent in front of the children. Nothing reported to the police though except for once over 2 years ago. He has offered to help me with my current bills but only under the condition that I get an abortion for the third child of his that I am currently carrying. What is the reality of him getting full custody of the children?
1. Your children should not see any violence at any time. You should not endure violence or mental abuse at anytime.
2, Are you eligible for child care assistance including food stamps?
3. You need a lawyer to collect not only child support but ensure that you have custody of the children;
4. Based upon the facts as you stated the Father is not a good role model for the children;
5. You can move to a RV as long as it has adequate living conditions;
Meet with a lawyer, his abusive threats are sign he should NOT be given any more than visitation and it should have restriction out on it.
To add to Mr. Louden’s statement, there may be one or more ways to have your costs in child support enforcement and establishing paternity (if necessary) shifted to the father, including attorney fees.
Custody is awarded based on what the court finds to be the best interest of the children. This is based on many factors and is case specific and fact dependant. You should schedule a consultation with an attorney to discuss your specific situation. If you have not already done so you should also consider pursuing child support. An attorney can help you get this done.
