Q: My ex lost child to CPS. I was contacted. How do I go about getting custody back from the state?
12 years ago my girlfriend left me and moved away with the child. No idea where. She remarried, had another child, did the same thing to him. He reached out and we tried to track her down unsuccessfully. Found out from him that he left her after she became an addict. She's also been committed for attempted suicide. Got a letter this 3 weeks ago that my daughter is in CPS. Taken for "protective reasons". Spoke with them, insisted that I can drive to Massachusetts from Maryland to get her but all I kept hear is "I have to review it with my supervisor". I haven't seen her since she was 2 and haven't spoken with her since she was about 6. She knows I exist, who I am, but doesn't remember me. And I'm not on the birth certificate. I don't want the state raising my child. I now have a family, own a home, stable career... how do I go about getting custody away for the state?
A: You need to establish paternity as it appears you have not done so before. You will also need to seek custody and cooperate with the DCF. I urge you to engage counsel ASAP.
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