What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maine
I have a court date in a couple of weeks. I am a single mother of a 7 month old daughter. She was conceived in one state, born in the state we currently live in. We took a paternity test (court ordered), and who I thought was the father, was indeed her father. He lives 16 hours away and we haven't spoken since May 2013 (well before she was born). Even after finding out he was the father he hasn't reached out to me to see or ask about her. I started this process because in order to maintain my childcare subsidy, I have to show that I am seeking child support or it is court ordered that there is none. I am going in asking the court (to maintain) sole physical and legal custody. It's not about the money. The child support would be nice, but I just want it documented that I have custody. I welcome a visitation agreement. She should know her father. Our current state doesn't require a parenting plan, but I drew one up for when she is school aged and able to cross state lines to visit (until then he can see her as he wishes as long as he comes to us - per the magistrate last time we appeared). I'm trying to prepare myself as best I can. But without knowing what his intentions are - if any, I don't know what more I can do. She is up to date on immunizations and is currently attending one of the best daycares in the state while i work 40 hours/week. What more can I do to ensure I get said sole legal and physical custody? Or have I done all that I can?
I have a court date in a couple of weeks. I am a single mother of a 7 month old daughter. She was conceived in one state, born in the state we currently live in. We took a paternity test (court ordered), and who I thought was the father, was indeed her father. He lives 16 hours away and we haven't spoken since May 2013 (well before she was born). Even after finding out he was the father he hasn't reached out to me to see or ask about her. I started this process because in order to maintain my childcare subsidy, I have to show that I am seeking child support or it is court ordered that there is none. I am going in asking the court (to maintain) sole physical and legal custody. It's not about the money. The child support would be nice, but I just want it documented that I have custody. I welcome a visitation agreement. She should know her father. Our current state doesn't require a parenting plan, but I drew one up for when she is school aged and able to cross state lines to visit (until then he can see her as he wishes as long as he comes to us - per the magistrate last time we appeared). I'm trying to prepare myself as best I can. But without knowing what his intentions are - if any, I don't know what more I can do. She is up to date on immunizations and is currently attending one of the best daycares in the state while i work 40 hours/week. What more can I do to ensure I get said sole legal and physical custody? Or have I done all that I can?