Can my wife legally take my children without my consent?

What is the name of your state? Utah

Im glad I found this board hopefully somebody will be able to help me out. My wife and I have been struggling in our relationship. It seems she is always threatining me with leaving and taking my children if things don't go her way. I am worried that one day she will actually take my children and leave if I finally stick my foot down. I love my wife but im really sick of her threats and want to basically call her bluff. I always tell her that she cant do that and that I have rights too and she says she is the mom and has all the rights. Is this true?

Here are my questions :

1. Can my wife legally take my children away from me without my consent?
2. If she does do this do I call the police?
3. If I do call the police will they end up in a foster home until the courts sort everything out?
4. Is there anything I can do ahead of time to help my chances in a custody battle?

[tigger22472]

What is the name of your state?

Originally Posted by WilliamUT

What is the name of your state? Utah

Here are my questions :

1. Can my wife legally take my children away from me without my consent?

***As long as you guys are still married you both have equal rights and yes she can take them without your consent just as you can also.

2. If she does do this do I call the police?

***You CAN.. but it won't get you anywhere. There isn't a custody order so again see answer to #1


3. If I do call the police will they end up in a foster home until the courts sort everything out?

***No because the police won't do anything without a custody order.


4. Is there anything I can do ahead of time to help my chances in a custody battle?

***File for divorce and custody now.