My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Pennsylvania
To start, I should state that this child is most definately mine. Neither me nor the mother dispute this fact. The mother though, would not let me sign the birth certificate, and will not sign an acknowledgement of paternity form, her excuse at the time was, she was afraid i'd take our daughter.
I have been the sole provider for my child since 2 weeks after she was born. Which was the first time she allowed me to see my daughter. The mother up until this week has provided nothing for her until this last week. I had my daughter the majority of the time until she turned 3 months old, at that time, CYS in the county I live in placed her in my care. For the last 7 months I have not heard anything from the mother. I always left phone numbers for her at last known addresses and in her email. She never attempted to see our daughter the whole time. On Sept 20th, she showed up at my house and wanted to visit with my daughter. I allowed it, and she took off with my daughter into the county that she resides in and has been denying me any visitation with her.
This woman has a long criminal and drug record, some of which I have docket reports to prove, others, I am hoping the Judge or my lawyer can find. (If I can find a lawyer to help that is). I'm a full time student and currently my mother is paying for anything that needs purchased with cash and is willing to testify in court for the matter. I recieve food stamp benefits for my daughter. The mother has 2 other children older than the child in question. Both of these children were taken away from her by Children and Youth services and custody was given to the fathers. Neither of the other fathers were allowed on the birth certificate either.
I have filed a custody complaint in the county in which I reside as this has been my daughters home her whole life. I filed for and was granted In forma pauperis. I plan to file a petition for expedited relief today, on the grounds of the mothers previous child care record.
Do I have a chance in this custody case? Where might i find a lawyer that would work on this case pro bono, as i have most of the case prepared, but i am not comfortable going into that hearing without representation. Is Children and Youth services legally responsible to disclose information on the other 2 children to the judge?

