Minneapolis, MN asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Illinois

Q: My daughters mother will not let me see my child unless I pay her. We have no court order and she wouldn’t let me sign

The birth certificate. Does she have a right to keep my child away from me? She won’t even let me speak to her on the phone. I don’t have a lot of money. What’s my best course of action, for getting custody/visitation, and getting my name on the birth certificate. I live in Will County, Illinois.

1 Lawyer Answer
Cheryl Powell
Cheryl Powell
Answered
  • Divorce Lawyer
  • Mt Vernon, IL
  • Licensed in Illinois

A: You need to file a parentage action in Will County. First you have to establish that you are the father, before you have any right to custody or visitation, now called parenting rights and responsibilities. So yes, until you are established, she has the right to keep your child away from you. The Court can order your name to be placed on the birth certificate, etc.

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