Ex-Con Father Wants Custody Due to Mother's Incarceration

[IllinoisGuy217]

ok Im going to summarize this as much as possible and this is for the State of Illinois.

Cousin had a baby unmarried filed for child support he denied the child, dna proved he was the father ordered support. He never showed up to any of the court dates and remained unemployed. He has a very long criminal history burglary, theft, obstructing, disorderly about 10 misdeanmeanors and felonies altogether. My cousin and the babies father never stayed together and he never saw him as a child. Everything was fine. 2009 my cousin was locked up for drugs shes currently in the DOC until feb 2010. Hes now out of prison and on parole until about the same date feb 2010. The children has been living with my cousins dad (my uncle) and no court paper or anything at that time. The grandmother has been causing problems so he went to court and got papers for temp. custody. The father now filed a modification to the papers and wants custody of the child. The child is now 9-10 years old and does not want to go or know the father at all. My uncle is not a criminal, works, supports his children also and the child in question is happy there. Court coming up oct 30 in the county. Uncle is worried that the child will be taken away. the uncle has allowed 1 visitation which ended with the police because the dad showed up drunk and was told to leave. however he left before the police got there and they have never talked to him. Any ideas would help. Thanks

[Mr. Knowitall]

Your uncle should consult a family lawyer about the possibility of obtaining legal guardianship.