Q: What paperwork do I need to file for custody
My ex whom I never married moved to another state with our child without my knowledge and I was told by a detective that I need to file custody papers Not sure which ones and I can't afford a attorney. I am the mother and no custody papers have ever been filed in court by either parent. child is 10 and last three yrs has been living with him
A: You need to get an attorney if you want something done correctly. That is just the way it goes. The father has no rights in the child unless and until he gets to court with a paternity action and gets his rights and responsibilities established through a court order. At the very least go see a family attorney in your area, most offer free initial consultations.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.