Abandonment

[Windex]

Three little boys were abandoned by their mother 5 years ago. The father has taken care of them since then with the help of a family member.
She is now threating to come back for them and the back child support they had agreed on after the divorce. She kept all important documentation (divorce papers, custody papers). She has been out of the country since then and works for that countrie's government.
What rights does the father have?
What can he do to get sole custody of the three boys?
Where does he need to go to file for custody?
How much time will it take for the custody proceedings to take place and be finalized? If anyone has an idea approx.
Please help!
I want this father to keep his children, here with him.

 

[Naturalmom]

Was the change of custody ever put on record when the father took over as custodial parent? If mother has not been in the country for the past 5 years prove it.. Next school records docotrs records things of that nature to prove the children have been residing with the father. File for custody now see a lawyer, becareful about visitation now if mom takes them for visit she might not return them in which case things will get very complicated because of the original papers if that is the only ones registered with the courts.

 

[smh33]

Ditto, naturalmom...get a lawyer, you have issues not of norm. Threats are just that threats, until ex files...useless but if custody has changed, need to get it legal..lawyer can probably help with proof, get it easier..passport records,credit card bills out of country, etc....five yrs??think ex established residency?
One suggestion, if ex in local area..send letter(certified) stating mom can visit kids at dad's home,for specific amount of time & set a schedule.........this will help prevent mom from splitting as warned above & shows dad cooperative to allowing access. If mom close & feel could be threat...maybe should alert schools/daycares, etc so they won't release child....do not how but know you can get in court faster with timeframe issues..lawyer would help here also...good luck