Moving out of state

[acn124]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I have a 2 year old daughter. Her father and I were never married. We separated the day she came home from the hospital. He did sign her birth certificate. He became abusive to me and I obtained an order of protection. They gave him supervised visits, but after only a few months of one hour per week, his visits were terminated due to him failing to show up on multiple occasions. That was a year ago. I've not seen or heard anything from him since. He pays no child support, doesn't work, and has never helped me or been in her life.
I have the opportunity to move out of state to be closer to family and have more employment opportunity (I have 3 other children to care for). I sent a 60 day notice to him of my intent to move and 2 days before the 60 days expired he filed a visitation request with the court.
I have a job lined up and a house. I have an attorney who has suggested a settlement conference with him.

My questions is
1. Do I have to agree to anything because he has never been in her life? He does not know her and is only trying to make things hard for me

 

[Ohiogal]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I have a 2 year old daughter. Her father and I were never married. We separated the day she came home from the hospital. He did sign her birth certificate. He became abusive to me and I obtained an order of protection. They gave him supervised visits, but after only a few months of one hour per week, his visits were terminated due to him failing to show up on multiple occasions. That was a year ago. I've not seen or heard anything from him since. He pays no child support, doesn't work, and has never helped me or been in her life.
I have the opportunity to move out of state to be closer to family and have more employment opportunity (I have 3 other children to care for). I sent a 60 day notice to him of my intent to move and 2 days before the 60 days expired he filed a visitation request with the court.
I have a job lined up and a house. I have an attorney who has suggested a settlement conference with him.

My questions is
1. Do I have to agree to anything because he has never been in her life? He does not know her and is only trying to make things hard for me

He has a right to visitation/custody as the biological and legal father. Why do you doubt your attorney's advice?

 

[Proserpina]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Illinois

I have a 2 year old daughter. Her father and I were never married. We separated the day she came home from the hospital. He did sign her birth certificate. He became abusive to me and I obtained an order of protection. They gave him supervised visits, but after only a few months of one hour per week, his visits were terminated due to him failing to show up on multiple occasions. That was a year ago. I've not seen or heard anything from him since. He pays no child support, doesn't work, and has never helped me or been in her life.
I have the opportunity to move out of state to be closer to family and have more employment opportunity (I have 3 other children to care for). I sent a 60 day notice to him of my intent to move and 2 days before the 60 days expired he filed a visitation request with the court.
I have a job lined up and a house. I have an attorney who has suggested a settlement conference with him.

My questions is
1. Do I have to agree to anything because he has never been in her life? He does not know her and is only trying to make things hard for me

No, you don't have to agree with anything. Be aware though, that the court will likely make the decision for you and he'll get visitation no matter what.

With that said, your attorney is giving you advice; you should listen to your attorney. We cannot and should not second guess your attorney who seems to be trying to save you hassle and money.