Advice: Dad doesn't want any part

[lovinmylife]

And he is always getting into trouble with the law. So my mom and I moved away to another state because I don't want him to be around at all when the baby is born. Does anyone have any advice that I can do legally to keep him away in case he changes his mind?

 

[savingme09]

Child custody laws vary from state to state. Generally, in order to have a parent's rights restricted, you need to have either 1) a court order terminating or limiting parental rights, usually only given in cases of substantiated abuse or neglect, 2) a voluntary relinquishment of parental rights by the parent. If there has been documented violence or threats of violence towards you, you might be able to obtain a protective order or a restraining order against him, but these are generally good for a specific period of time and must be renewed in order to remain in force. A divorce decree might also limit parental visitation and other rights.

If the father has stated that he does not want to be involved in the child's life, he might be willing to relinquish his parental rights voluntarily. This could limit your ability to file for and receive child support, however, so I would consult an attorney to discuss the possible repercussions of this action.

The other course of action you might consider is simply to leave things alone for the time being. If the father doesn't want to be involved right now and isn't doing a great job of managing his life, he probably won't press the issue. However, people do change and grow up sometimes, and perhaps given time he may mature and decide to be a responsible parent.

I wish you the best of luck in whatever course of action you decide.

 

[dubadoo]

Honey, I have gone through just about the same scenerio as you, but my child is going to be turning 1 year old come April. The father of Elizabeth said right from the start that he wanted me to get an abortion, but that was not an option for me. Then he stated he wanted me to put her up for adoption but after carrying a child as you well know that is very hard to do. So I told him straight out that I was keeping and raising the baby with or without him. He decided it to be without him. He then a few months later went out and got charged with armed robbery and is now in prison for quite a long time and even possibly until baby Elizabeth is of the legal age to say she doesn't want a part oif his life anyway. He has never seen the baby or even if for chance he does get out of prison he will not come around.

I would also reccommend you get a lawyer just in case your ex attempts anything.