What is the name of your state? California
I have an ill friend from England (she's there now). Her 5 year old daughter was born in California. My husband and I are her Godparents. (I know there are no legal rights for godparents). The father of her daughter is an American Citizen, but is a deadbeat dad. He refuses to pay any child support, he's an admitted drug addict/alcoholic, refuses to work he says because he gets bad headaches, (also, he is in a band and says he wants his time free for touring), he lives with his wife's mother (wife is a stripper), he has a history of hitting his girlfriends, and my friend has a few witnesses of him abusing her, he also has another child whom he refuses to care for. - Basically, he is not stable in any part of his life. Sorry for the ranting.
My friend is trying to come back to the US so her daughter can be raised here. She's afraid that if something were to happen to her - as her illness is not getting better - that her father will get custody of her outright. I told my friend I will fight him in court for custody, as I am better fit. My husband and I both have great jobs, and are financially secure.
My question is, will I be fighting a losing battle? Is there anything my friend can do to make sure that I will get custody? Please help.
I have an ill friend from England (she's there now). Her 5 year old daughter was born in California. My husband and I are her Godparents. (I know there are no legal rights for godparents). The father of her daughter is an American Citizen, but is a deadbeat dad. He refuses to pay any child support, he's an admitted drug addict/alcoholic, refuses to work he says because he gets bad headaches, (also, he is in a band and says he wants his time free for touring), he lives with his wife's mother (wife is a stripper), he has a history of hitting his girlfriends, and my friend has a few witnesses of him abusing her, he also has another child whom he refuses to care for. - Basically, he is not stable in any part of his life. Sorry for the ranting.
My friend is trying to come back to the US so her daughter can be raised here. She's afraid that if something were to happen to her - as her illness is not getting better - that her father will get custody of her outright. I told my friend I will fight him in court for custody, as I am better fit. My husband and I both have great jobs, and are financially secure.
My question is, will I be fighting a losing battle? Is there anything my friend can do to make sure that I will get custody? Please help.