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Child Paternity and Custody Question

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  • 02-01-2011, 01:19 PM
    igotscrewed
    Child Paternity and Custody Question
    My question involves paternity law for the State of: Idaho

    I had an affair with a woman that started last year. I told my wife in early December and we made a choice to get a divorce. In Late December I learned my girlfriend was pregnant, and in early January she left and broke off all contact to me. Since then my wife and I decided to work things out and are staying married. I do not believe my ex-girlfriend is capable of raising a child by herself (If you need more information I will provide). The baby should be born sometime around August but I do not have a due date. I am almost certain it is my child. My wife and I would like to raise the child because we feel we can provide for the child, and raise the child in a good environment. I am worried that my ex-girlfriend may try to have someone in her family adopt the child and I am worried she won’t put my name on the birth certificate. I have added my name to the putative father registry in Idaho. My goal is to get full custody of the child when it is born and I want to know if there is anything else I should be doing at this point. Do I have a good chance of getting custody and what should I do to increase my chances? Thanks any help would be appreciated.
  • 02-01-2011, 01:24 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Child Paternity and Custody Question
    Expect your ex girlfriend to change her mind about adoption (assuming that's on her mind at all).

    Why do you believe she is not fit to raise a child?
  • 02-01-2011, 01:32 PM
    igotscrewed
    Re: Child Paternity and Custody Question
    The woman is Bi-Polar. Her brother lives with her and he is also Bi-Polar and emotionally abusive. She is on social security income because she can not handle the stress of a job. I do not believe she wants to have the child adopted it is her stepfather that wants her to give the child to his daughter to raise.
  • 02-01-2011, 01:37 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Child Paternity and Custody Question
    None of that proves that she's unfit.

    File to establish paternity once the child is born, and file for visitation (and perhaps joint legal - decision making - custody). Also expect to be paying child support.
  • 02-01-2011, 02:45 PM
    igotscrewed
    Re: Child Paternity and Custody Question
    Quote:

    Quoting Dogmatique
    View Post
    None of that proves that she's unfit.

    File to establish paternity once the child is born, and file for visitation (and perhaps joint legal - decision making - custody). Also expect to be paying child support.

    Thank you for the advice.
    Would it be possible for me to file for full legal and physical custody. I know I would have to prove that she is unfit for that to happen. would it be a bad idea for me to try?
  • 02-01-2011, 02:56 PM
    Dogmatique
    Re: Child Paternity and Custody Question
    It would honestly be a waste of money and time.

    You have already basically told the court that you think she's fit. But more importantly, it takes an awful lot to prove unfitness in court - we're talking actual abuse, neglect, etc.

    Nothing you have stated here would give the court reason to take the infant from Mom and place him/her with you.
  • 02-01-2011, 03:07 PM
    igotscrewed
    Re: Child Paternity and Custody Question
    Quote:

    Quoting Dogmatique
    View Post
    It would honestly be a waste of money and time.

    You have already basically told the court that you think she's fit. But more importantly, it takes an awful lot to prove unfitness in court - we're talking actual abuse, neglect, etc.

    Nothing you have stated here would give the court reason to take the infant from Mom and place him/her with you.

    Thanks again for your advice I appreciate it.
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