Parenting Time, Custody, and Child Support

[tkaboni]

What is the name of your state? MI

In 2002, I got pregnant, not married. Had my son in 2003 and immediately filed for paternity and child support. Father has only had occassional contact for 2 1/2 months from May to July 2004 and no contact since. Finally after numerous court dates and referee hearings, a child support order took effect in November 2004, but the referee only put child support to begin in August of 2004. What can I do about this?

My son is 1 1/2 now, just went to court again because he wanted his child support reduced because he wasnt working, Judge denied because father has a long history of quitting jobs or getting fired and the Judge based his decision on fathers ability to earn. Now the father is finally asking for visitation, but I feel that the every other weekend and alternating holidays is not appropriate due to my son's age and not knowing his father. His father also has a drinking problem and no stable living arrangements. If I deny visitation, then I am in contempt of court. Help Me!!

Last one, In the original court order, it was stated that both parents have joint legal custody, as I stated earlier the father has no stable living arrangements, unable to hold a job, and a drinking problem that he has been to rehab for (started drinking again as soon as he got out) been arrested and on probation for drinking and driving (going 80mph in a 35mph zone. He also has no other children and has never taken care of a child or even his own son who is 1 1/2 years old. I do not feel he deserves to make legal decisions for our son since he cannot care for himself. What can I do?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

 

[stealth2]

What is the name of your state? MI

In 2002, I got pregnant, not married. Had my son in 2003 and immediately filed for paternity and child support. Father has only had occassional contact for 2 1/2 months from May to July 2004 and no contact since. Finally after numerous court dates and referee hearings, a child support order took effect in November 2004, but the referee only put child support to begin in August of 2004. What can I do about this?

A: Probably nothing.

My son is 1 1/2 now, just went to court again because he wanted his child support reduced because he wasnt working, Judge denied because father has a long history of quitting jobs or getting fired and the Judge based his decision on fathers ability to earn. Now the father is finally asking for visitation, but I feel that the every other weekend and alternating holidays is not appropriate due to my son's age and not knowing his father. His father also has a drinking problem and no stable living arrangements. If I deny visitation, then I am in contempt of court. Help Me!!

A: Until there is an order, you do not have to provide the father any time at all. Once there is an order, you must follow it or risk a variety of sanctions, from a scolding to loss of custody.

Last one, In the original court order, it was stated that both parents have joint legal custody, as I stated earlier the father has no stable living arrangements, unable to hold a job, and a drinking problem that he has been to rehab for (started drinking again as soon as he got out) been arrested and on probation for drinking and driving (going 80mph in a 35mph zone. He also has no other children and has never taken care of a child or even his own son who is 1 1/2 years old. I do not feel he deserves to make legal decisions for our son since he cannot care for himself. What can I do?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

A: The judge apparently already decided that Dad is entitled to be included in the major decisions of the child's life. And ya know..... you picked him - apparently you thought he was good enough.

 

[greivingspouse]

As a father, he should have some sort of input as to the raising of the child and should be a part of the child's life, by law. As a DAD, it appears that he has no grounds, by morals and values. This is a clear cut case of "Parental Rights v. Child's Best Intrest". If he were a "good" father, he would realize that the instability, the alcohol, and illegal activity is not in his child's best intrests and by no means a way for a child to see his father act, as he will learn to dublicate this behavior. This is only the tip of the iceberg. There are many, many family advocates on the web ready to assist you in whatever help you may need to help this child. You have a computer, just look them up. You'll see the light in what is right.