123pleasehelpme
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Alabama
Quick facts: Daughter born in Indiana, we were not married. Upon our separation (when daughter was 2) I never pursued any legal actions in court regarding visitation, we simply worked it out amongst ourselves. It has been fine, up until about 18-24 months ago. My daughter is 12 now. Mom moved from Indiana to TN a year ago (because she got a divorce) It worked great, because now they were closer to me in AL so it was easier for me to travel for visitation. Lived in one city (Knoxville) then mom met a man and moved to a different city (Nashville). Now 4 months later they have broken up, my daughter has moved back to Knoxville with her mom. Now I have learned that my daughter has not been in school for 6 consecutive days and they are planning to now move back to Indiana after the holidays. I would assume she will also not be attending school the rest of this week, because thats a hassle to enroll in a new city only to enroll in another one in a week or so. Grades have been falling this year as well.
I am well aware that I should have done something legal years ago, but there did not seem to be a need since we were getting along and sharing time as best we could. Now, I look like the Dad who didnt care probably, when in reality I did/do just not officially through the legal system. I have also learned that the past few months on numerous occassions my daughter was left home alone late at night babysitting her twin brothers while mom goes out on the town. Since her divorce 2 yrs ago, mom's life centers around whomever she dates. Obviously, I have no concrete evidence of this and probably a judge would say its fine to babysit because of her age.
I am wondering if truancy (will be 10 consecutive days on this coming Friday) is a reason that a judge may award temporary custody to me. I am so afraid she will fail school. I need to get her and start her with a tutor. For numerous reasons her quality of life would be better here and she would have stability. If I file and lose, she will certainly alienate me from my daughters life. If I win, I will be able to ensure my daughter has a better quality of life. What is the best course of action? Would I file in AL where I have lived for 4 yrs, TN where they have lived for 13 months, or IN where my daughter was born and where they intend to move back to shortly? Thoughts on how I should proceed?
Quick facts: Daughter born in Indiana, we were not married. Upon our separation (when daughter was 2) I never pursued any legal actions in court regarding visitation, we simply worked it out amongst ourselves. It has been fine, up until about 18-24 months ago. My daughter is 12 now. Mom moved from Indiana to TN a year ago (because she got a divorce) It worked great, because now they were closer to me in AL so it was easier for me to travel for visitation. Lived in one city (Knoxville) then mom met a man and moved to a different city (Nashville). Now 4 months later they have broken up, my daughter has moved back to Knoxville with her mom. Now I have learned that my daughter has not been in school for 6 consecutive days and they are planning to now move back to Indiana after the holidays. I would assume she will also not be attending school the rest of this week, because thats a hassle to enroll in a new city only to enroll in another one in a week or so. Grades have been falling this year as well.
I am well aware that I should have done something legal years ago, but there did not seem to be a need since we were getting along and sharing time as best we could. Now, I look like the Dad who didnt care probably, when in reality I did/do just not officially through the legal system. I have also learned that the past few months on numerous occassions my daughter was left home alone late at night babysitting her twin brothers while mom goes out on the town. Since her divorce 2 yrs ago, mom's life centers around whomever she dates. Obviously, I have no concrete evidence of this and probably a judge would say its fine to babysit because of her age.
I am wondering if truancy (will be 10 consecutive days on this coming Friday) is a reason that a judge may award temporary custody to me. I am so afraid she will fail school. I need to get her and start her with a tutor. For numerous reasons her quality of life would be better here and she would have stability. If I file and lose, she will certainly alienate me from my daughters life. If I win, I will be able to ensure my daughter has a better quality of life. What is the best course of action? Would I file in AL where I have lived for 4 yrs, TN where they have lived for 13 months, or IN where my daughter was born and where they intend to move back to shortly? Thoughts on how I should proceed?