A little background if I may...
I live in the state of Tennessee. My teenage daughter had a baby at 16 years old. She just turned 17. The 20 year old father (no I didn't prosecute) never emotionally supported my daughter during the pregnancy or after the baby boy was born. She is still in high school. He is in the Navy Reserves. We filled out paperwork for Maximus to seek child support from him. (a slow process) We have allowed him to see the baby anytime he wants to, which is not as often as he should in my opinion in order for the baby (5 months old) to develop a bond. We have allowed over night visitation. I have noticed when the baby comes home, he seems "different" for a day or so. (clingy and/or whiney) I wonder if he (baby)feels as if the babydaddy and whoever he stays with when he has the baby seem like strangers to him or if he remembers them. The babydaddy's mother is precious, as is his sister. I think the babydaddy loves the baby... or seems to, but he is very much a 20 year old kid that jumps between girlfriends and parties quite a bit. He might see him every 3 to 4 weeks and then we take the baby half way to meet him or whoever picks the baby up and we pick him back up. (the daddy lives about 40 miles away from us)
OK....
What in everyone's opinion is best for the baby? Should I seek an attorney? From what I understand in the state of Tenn an unwed mother has full custody of the baby. BUT there is no set visitation of course because we have not gone to court. Should we "allow" over nights at this age? Should visitation be supervised or only in a stable environment such as the babydaddy's Mom's house?? My goal is what is best for the baby and healthy for the baby. I am really concerned and appreciate any advice.
gramommy
I live in the state of Tennessee. My teenage daughter had a baby at 16 years old. She just turned 17. The 20 year old father (no I didn't prosecute) never emotionally supported my daughter during the pregnancy or after the baby boy was born. She is still in high school. He is in the Navy Reserves. We filled out paperwork for Maximus to seek child support from him. (a slow process) We have allowed him to see the baby anytime he wants to, which is not as often as he should in my opinion in order for the baby (5 months old) to develop a bond. We have allowed over night visitation. I have noticed when the baby comes home, he seems "different" for a day or so. (clingy and/or whiney) I wonder if he (baby)feels as if the babydaddy and whoever he stays with when he has the baby seem like strangers to him or if he remembers them. The babydaddy's mother is precious, as is his sister. I think the babydaddy loves the baby... or seems to, but he is very much a 20 year old kid that jumps between girlfriends and parties quite a bit. He might see him every 3 to 4 weeks and then we take the baby half way to meet him or whoever picks the baby up and we pick him back up. (the daddy lives about 40 miles away from us)
OK....
What in everyone's opinion is best for the baby? Should I seek an attorney? From what I understand in the state of Tenn an unwed mother has full custody of the baby. BUT there is no set visitation of course because we have not gone to court. Should we "allow" over nights at this age? Should visitation be supervised or only in a stable environment such as the babydaddy's Mom's house?? My goal is what is best for the baby and healthy for the baby. I am really concerned and appreciate any advice.
gramommy
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