Confused About Which Custodial Rights to Ask For

[Cthulu]

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

Hello everyone! I am the proud father of a 5 day old, premy baby girl. In short the Mother and I are trying to find the best custodial options to compensate for our circumstances.

We are not Married but are together. We Both are currently unemployed and live with our Parents. You see, the baby will be living in my home once she is released from the hospital as agreed upon by all parties involved. The baby can not stay at my girl friends home for various reasons and I can not really let my girl friend take long term residence in my parents home, as that would have to be something they decide. To my understanding, this means we will have to request Sole Physical Custody on my part. However, when we do this, can we also get Joint Legal custody? As in we both make major decisions about the baby's education, religious upbringing and such. Can we also set up a form of visitation rights that would allow the mother to visit our baby freely and stay nights with her when she wishes?

Also, as far as child support goes, is there a way to avoid either of us having to pay it? We are both looking for Jobs in order to provide for our baby on our own. for the time being of course we will rely heavily on my Parents which is understood. We have an amazing support system with them. When my girlfriend and I find employment we plan on saving for an apartment and providing for our child. As such, child support would be an unnecessary asset to our ambitions so we want to avoid it.

Well thank you for your time to anyone wiling to answer my questions.

[FatherWhoWon]

You and the mother can stipulate whatever kind of agreement you wish and file it with the court requesting the judge to sign it. It would be advisable to have someone with some legal knowledge (I.e. an attorney) look it over before you submit it.

Try searching for sample parenting plans or templates and see if those will help you understand the types of things to include.

[Dogmatique]

I have the distinct feeling that Mom is going to change her mind pretty quickly.

[llworking]

I have the distinct feeling that Mom is going to change her mind pretty quickly.

Yep...I can just about guarantee it.

Also OP, there is no need for "sole" custody in any form. Joint legal custody with one parent having primary physical custody is the most common format.