Background:
Divorce in Aug 2003. Ex-wife started using drugs. 20 page arrest record sense June 2003, including child abuse, domestic abuse, fraud, shop lifting, etc. She is now a convicted Felon on Felony probation till 2009. She currently lived at a halfway house/church and receives disablity pay (though I think she can work and is just scamming the state).
Two kids: Daughter age 10 (I am not the bio dad but has raised her for 9 years) Son age 5 (child of the marrage). I was given full custody and full parent responsiblities and dicission making. Ex-wife filed the following:
Motion for appointment of a child and family investigator: for full custody of my daughter (I am not the bio dad). Criteria she checked marked on the form for the CFI to look at is: Drug and Alchol abuse, Domestic Violence, Special needs of a child and other issues.
Motion for the Allocation of decision-making responsibility: she says I am not the bio dad and should not have any rights to my daughter.
Motion for Parental Responsibility: again says I am not the bio father and shouldn't have any parental responsibility.
================================================== ========
Ok so thats a brief history and whats going on now. Here comes the questions:
1. Even though I am not the bio dad of my 10 yr old child can my ex-wife really take her away from me? Remember she is a convicted felon, on felony probation, currently living in a halfway house (with 21 other drug addicts and felons), and has not job (getting $260 a month in disablity from state).
2. I am a full time employeed father. I hold a top secret clearance and work for the US Air Force as a contractor. Would the court really split up my family (Daughter, son and I) just because I am not the bio dad?
3. Should I get a lawyer? I can not afford one, I would have to beg and borrow money from relatives.
4. What can I do to prepare my kids and I for the CFI investigation and court mess?
Thanks in advance
Dave
aka worried dad

