My question involves a child custody case from the State of: Illinois.
My ex-girlfriend (no, we were never married) wants to move to Connecticut (from Illinois) with our 2-1/2 year old daughter so she can be "closer to her family". I am trying to find out if there is anything I can do to stop her from doing this? If not, what are my options?
I am 100% the father of my daughter. I am on the birth certificate. My daughter was born in Illinois, and we have lived here since about 4 months prior to my daughters birth. We do not have any form of official custody agreement because one was never needed before.
I was laid off from my job in March of 2009, and have had serious trouble finding steady employment ever since. It is not for my lack of searching but I do believe this is a major reason why she has a sudden desire to split our family up and make the move.
I have several concerns if my ex were to successfully make this move.
1) While I believe this move would be better for my daughter financially, I also believe the benefits of having her father in her life out weighs the added financial security.
2) I am afraid that if I just stand by and let this move take place, I will be essentially abandoning my daughter as I would not be able to afford moving to or visiting somewhere so far away.
3) I am also concerned that my daughter would basically end up being raised by her grandparents.
Thank you for taking the time to review my post.

