My question involves a child custody case from the State of: AL
My wife and I have an 8 week old baby. We had marriage problems the whole time she was pregnant (mostly due to a severe mental illness she has). Before she was pregnant, this was only a problem about once a month. But after she got pregnant, the episodes became more and more frequent. So when the baby was 4 weeks old, I received divorce papers from her. It wasn't a surprise, since as I mentioned, she has mental problems. We both left the marital home (our lease was up that month anyways) and found places of our own to stay. Well, I got my own place. She moved in with a friend.
When we moved out, I tried to take the baby with me, but she beat me to it. Now she tells me I "can come see the baby whenever I want." As if she's the one that gets to make that decision. Yes, I can see the baby whenever I want. My problem is that she won't let me take the baby with me whenever I go over there. She has INTENTIONALLY not introduced formula to the baby so that she can use breastfeeding as an excuse! This has been a problem the whole 4 weeks we've been apart.
In the process of a divorce, we both filled out "interrogatories" or something like that. I just got the answers to hers today. She put on there that she is seeking "primary custody" and wants to me to have "standard visitation." However, I can easily prove she has a mental disorder, since she admits to taking anti-depressant medication and sees a therapist. I want the baby to live with me. I have a nicer home, make more money, and I don't have a mental disorder. There is no reason to punish a good father just because I couldn't survive a marriage with a mentally ill person. It's not fair that this is her fault and yet she has the baby. My only concern is that she will get custody just because she's the mother since a lot of judges side with mothers, from what I've heard.
My questions are:
How do I put together a solid case that she doesn't create a good home for the child due to her mental issues?
I've heard she is considering applying for Section 8 housing. Will this make my case better since I have a stable home and not only is she moving after only one month, but she can't even fully support herself without aid?
Her parents and most of her family live 4 hours away from here. I'm afraid she's gonna take the baby there. Can I stop this?
Any other advice I can get from the other information I've given will be appreciated.

