What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Virginia
Originally, both parents shared custody with no court order. One of the parents went to the court, stating they wanted to file for sole custody of the child, but did not know the other parent's address. The parent filing did know the other parent's address, but lied and stated this to the court. The parent filing then took out a newspaper ad as directed by the court to locate the other parent for the court date. The other parent had no idea of any of this going on. The court date came, with the other parent having no knowledge at all of it, and the parent who filed was awarded sole custody. What can the now non-custodial parent do about this? This happened 2 years ago, when the non-custodial parent gained knowledge of this after being served with child support papers, and was told of the custody hearing by the courts. The non-custodial parent did not have the financial means to obtain a lawyer at the time, was not sure of their options. What can be done now?
Originally, both parents shared custody with no court order. One of the parents went to the court, stating they wanted to file for sole custody of the child, but did not know the other parent's address. The parent filing did know the other parent's address, but lied and stated this to the court. The parent filing then took out a newspaper ad as directed by the court to locate the other parent for the court date. The other parent had no idea of any of this going on. The court date came, with the other parent having no knowledge at all of it, and the parent who filed was awarded sole custody. What can the now non-custodial parent do about this? This happened 2 years ago, when the non-custodial parent gained knowledge of this after being served with child support papers, and was told of the custody hearing by the courts. The non-custodial parent did not have the financial means to obtain a lawyer at the time, was not sure of their options. What can be done now?