My question involves a child custody case from the State of: California.



To Whom it May Concern:

My child has recently turned one and I have not had any contact from the father for exactly a year now. From what older co-workers have told me, after I gave birth to our daughter, he changed his number, work location, and has been defaming my character and denying being the Father. I have read around and from my understanding, Abandonment happens after a one year term of no contact by the other guardian. I know the father wants absolutely nothing to do with the child and I accept that but how do I go about filing for full legal guardianship? And if I do obtain that guardianship, can he just as easily change it later if he decides he does want to participate in her life?

I have also considered charging child support, however my only fear is that he will either:
A) decide to get more visitation to pay less
B) quit his job or get fired intentionally and work as a mechanic for cash only, therefore making it very hard to trace any income for him, allowing him to not have to pay.

I understand these situations are extreme but I feel they are too common in the area in which he lives and that someone will tell him how to avoid any responsibility.
I know the matter of child support will arise, and I do make more than he does, however I am the one that watches her all the time, no participation on his end.

Any advice or information would be greatly appreciated as I am very confused as to how to go about this. And if it makes any difference, there are no emotional feelings involved with the father, I just want to know what is going to be best for my daughter.

Thank you