Do i need a lawyer in order to file for custody?

[SingleMommie]

Hi, im a 23 year old single mom to a 3yr little girl...i just got separeted from my longtime boyfriend and father of my child in november of 08...he seems to show no intrest in seeing his child so i asked if he could give me full custody of her.. he refuses to do so... i want to travel and take my daughter with me but he is giving me a hard time in signing a permission for her to travel...i want to take it to court and fight for custody but im afraid that i dont have enough money to hire a lawyer..now this was an abusive realtionship and he's got a record on that... im wondering if there is any help for abused vitcims that helps them through this???? if any one know please let me know

 

[Duranie]

He is still dad and hse still has rights. If you want sole custody you will have to file for it. He can certainly also ask for sole, or joint. If I were you, try to work something out with him. Regardless of what custody you have, Dad will still have to sign for the passport if that is what you are looking for. You'll also have to abide by any visitation agreement if one gets set up. You can call legal aid to see if you qualify.

 

[ohiogranny]

Wait a minute....is he even the legal dad? Even if he is, in most states an unmarried mom has sole legal custody, which means she can sign the passport.

As legal dad, he has the right to file in court for his rights. Until you go to court, he has very few.