Establishing Paternity and Seeking Custody

**mrjay84** · 12-04-2008, 11:20 PM

Hi ,

Me and my EX were together 6 going on 7 years and we had a child almost 3 years ago. We got married after the child was born and 8 months later she told me she wants to break it off and get a divorce.

When the child was born we were together of course but I wasnt there to sign the child birth certificate and almost 3 years later I'm still not on it.

Now for my question. The EX sat down and we talked and she told me she wants full custody of the child and that I shouldnt try to fight it and to just sign her over. If I tried to fight it , it would cost too much money and I would lose because currently I have no job and I have relocated back to my mothers.

Now with all this going on , where exactly do I stand would I have even the slightest chance and would I have to pay child support since on paper I'm not the childs father. And would a paternity test need to take place for me to do child support etc. I was with my child every day for 2 1/2 years I was a stay at home dad. I'm so confused on where I stand in this mess.

If anyone can help me , where do I go from here. Need a sign of direction.

Thanks in advance.

MrJay

**LawResearcherMissy** · 12-07-2008, 07:48 AM

Knowing your state would be helpful.

You'll need to pursue a paternity test first to establish legal paternity, since you neither signed the birth certificate, nor an acknowledgment of paternity.

Unless and until you're established as the legal father of the child, there is no support and no visitation.

You really do need to consult an attorney.