custody

[denise75]

I HAVE A CHILD IN VIRGINA BEACH. I JUST FOUND OUT THAT I AM HER FATHER. THE MOTHER LEFT HER WITH THE GREAT GRANDPARENTS BEFORE THIS. I HAVE CUSTODY OF HER BROTHER IN NC. THEY HAVE TOLD ME, SHE IS A WARD OF THE STATE. I HAVE ASKED THEM TO BRING HER HOME AND THEY REFUSE. I AM TRYING TO FIND OUT WHERE I LEGALY STAND.

 

[billyjean]

I don't know where you stand, but I would like to know if you are listed on the birth certificate? If so, can you drive up to the beach and file for custody? The form is fairly simple, and if you are the father, I can't see why this or any state would continue to hold a child as a "Ward of the State". How can she be living with the grandparents, great or otherwise if she is a ward of the state? Is someone pulling your leg? If you can take the time from work to drive up and file, then you wouldn't need to come back until the court hearing. Since you already have custody of the brother, I would think that could have some bearing. Good Luck

[Edited by billyjean on 11-25-2000 at 10:24 AM]