absent father after 4 years going for sole custody!

[Jaime]

I have a 4 year old who's father has never been around. My son has resided in my care from day one, his father has never had any responsibility whatsoever. For the first year I encouraged a stable relationship, but the father was never involved, and gradually withdrew himselve from our lives. This had happened for many reasons; mariguanna abuse, an unstable living environment, ect... I have gotten remarried 2 years ago, and my husband is practically the only father my son has known. After 2 years of absolutely no contact from the biological father he is taking me to court for sole custody. My question is, what is reasonable access you offer to a complete stranger who is angry and an amotional wreck? Please help, I have court in 2 days!!

[aaron]

If you have a court date in two days on a custody matter, I urge you to consult a family lawyer in your state, ASAP.

[Jaime]

I have a lawer but I want to do my own research as well! I've been to court. the judge was really good about the situation. We did not touch on any custody matters as of yet. The father got an order for supervised visitation, every second week for 6 times. Then we go back to court to decide if he is worthy of unsupervised acess. I write this to tell all of the scared parents out there that it really isn't so bad if your honest and capable. Go in there knowing what you want and demand it, it is your child and you know what is best. I was worried about being to harsh, but the reallity is if the parent is not around they really can't expect the custodial parent or the courts to be giving in any way, they will have to prove themselves. Good luck to anyone!!!