Do I Need Court Ordered Custody?

[kathleeng]

I never thought about this until I read so many of the problems others are having in this forum.

I am a single mother and was never married to my child's father. We had no contact from the time I was 4 and a half months pregnant (when he assaulted me and I kicked him out) until our daughter turned 5 and the state forced him to begin paying support. He met her just the one time, called a few times (mostly to complain about the support payments) and we haven't heard from him in almost 3 years. My child does not even have his last name. He pays his support and does not bother with us.

Do I need to go to have the court order my child's custody to me?

Thanks!

 

[irish223]

An unmarried mother has sole custody until the father files a petition for custody and/or visitation. If the father hasn't been to court for that reason, then you already have legal custody.

 

[kathleeng]

Thanks! That sets my mind at ease.