what do i need to do to secure my childrens custody if something were to happen to me?
148188
I don't know every state law but, I know that in most states, if the mother/father can prove that she has a home, stable income , and is competent enough to care for the child. She will be the first choice. If she isn't, family will be the next choice. You can pick a legal guardian but, any choice can be challanged in court.
781081
If your child is in danger, you can ask for temporary emergency custody, which most states provide. In states that have adopted the UCCJEA, you can also apply for temporary emergency custody if a sibling or parent are in danger, even if that child is not in danger.4\n\nIf you need to ask for temporary emergency custody, then you can do this in the home state or in the state where the child is. \n\nSome courts will grant you emergency custody without notice to the other parent and without that parent present ("ex parte"). Courts will usually only do this in extreme situations. You will need to prove to the judge that your kids are in danger in order to get an emergency custody order like this. You also will need to resolve the situation permanently as "ex parte" orders generally are only for a short period of time.\n\nAlso, an "ex parte" order may not be enforceable in other states, so be sure to find out before you leave the state.\n\nTo file for emergency custody, contact a lawyer or local domestic violence agency. To find one in your area, go to the Links & Resources page for your state.
685305
Listen very closely to what I'm telling you.  It's good advice.\n\nFirst, if your soon to be ex-husband is having dangerous affairs, if his lifestyle puts your children at risk, you could go to the CPS (Child Protective Services).\n\nDo you belong to a church?  Make an appointment during the week to tell a priest what is happening. He may know someone in the system who can help you.  Don't overlook this resource.\n\nWhen it comes to the justice system, forget about what is the truth, and what is right or wrong.  Lawyers are often working in their own self interest.  Everyone involved in the case is apt to make decisions based on what is easiest for them.  No one is going to risk their careers for you.\n\nIf you have accusations to make, you must be certain they can be substantiated:  names, dates, places, etc.  Do you have witnesses?  Will they testify under oath?  Will they sign a document certifying what they say is true?   There are RULES OF EVIDENCE, and judges will sometimes even forbid a person from making statements he considers irrelevant.\n\nRemember... people are going to do WHAT IS EASIEST for them.  If they're acting against you, stop making it so easy for them to ignore the truth.  Everyone has a boss.  You can always take this one step higher.\n\nI noticed you misspelled a few words.  Are you from this country?  Do you live here legally?  Do you have an education and can you support these children?  All these are very important factors that a judge will consider.\n\nThink very carefully before you act.  If your husband is actually a decent man, and could care better for the children, make the unselfish decision not to oppose him.\n\nBest of luck.
1164383
Consult your attorney.   \n\nIf you decide to continue on with Child Protective Services - just tell them the truth.   CPS will not take your child away for shoplifting.\n\nCalm down and good luck!
290797
YOu need to document everything that happens, keep a jounal.  I have an ex husband that is a drug addict and my kids aren't safe with him, our boys are 4 year old twins, which I have custody, but I am now fighting him in court to keep him from them unless supervised which is looking good.  All the documention that I have is helping me greatly, plus I have a wonderful lawyer that believes in me.  You need documentation and people to back you up other then family and friends.  Be patient, gather your ammo against him, find a GOOD lawyer, make sure you get a different judge, make sure you are in a stable home, with a good job, show that you can raise your kids, also maybe take your kids to a phsycoligist and then have them write you a letter of what they think.  That always has weight in a situation like this, it is helping me out.  Good luck!!!  I hope for the best for you and your kids!!
1020674
Send a "Motion for Sole Custody" to the court. Make sure you ask for a "hearing". Send a copy to the Clerk of the Court for filing. This proves that you motioned. Send a copy to the father. Mail a copy to any other interested party. \nThe court will not give you sole custody unless you have a reason. The court favors the childs mother. If the father is a bad influence make sure you can prove it in writing. \nIf you are doing this to punish the father be careful. These things can turn into a bomb. A father can become very angry when his child is taken away from him.
611904
The law is the only way to handle these matters.*\n\nThe process through the courts may be slow but if you keep trying time will come around and the kids know you love them because you never give up trying to get them back.
434484
Talk to a lawyear. You can't just leave while court in underway. You need to try and win sole custody of your children than you can leave the state. The thing is, you need to prove to court that you are afraid of your husband, and that you are afraid he might hurt the kids. Lawyer will help you put everything together, use your bad experience with your husband as evidence for abuse. If you ever went to hospital or kids because of his abuse use that even if you said you/they fell.
132258
Call either your local police dept. or child protective services I guess.
1164855
Contact your local Child Protective Services department.  They can lead you in all neccessary directions.
1150017
If you are in a situation where you are dealing with protective services you may need to make changes in your behavior as a parent.  I recommend reading any literature on early childhood development and seek counseling from a professional psychologist.  That being said you need to be careful as they may take your child away.  You should seek legal council if you are facing charges, as soon as possible.
284290
If you feel your child is in danger go to the police tell them you are concerned about the well being of your child i don't think anyone would turn you away you can also have child protective services look into it
937877
hey, you need to get your self a lawyer as soon as you can. The police have admitted their mistake which shows they are liable. which if you do go to court a result will happen.\n\nwith the whole case of the death threats, did you know even a death threat is an arrestable offence now? theyve got the CCTV tapes which you could use as evidence for an harrassment charge. \n\nthats completely horrible and i really feel bad for you... but i seriously suggest you get in contact with an advisor, try  going to your citizens advice beuro in your local town or city as they can provide a solicitor for you for free if you have a case... they also have advisors there so they can tell you more about it and whether or not you should invest yourself in getting a reputable solicitor. id get down there as soon as possible and file your case as the longer you leave it the less likely the judge is to take you seriously.\n\ngood luck with it and i hope you get it sorted out. but seriously go there first and they can advice you in near enough everything\n\ngood luck again, i hope justice is on your side, oh and even if your partner doesnt let you see your kids id go to there school or something as they finish and give them their christmas card to them as if you send it throug the post it mite get "lost" before it reaches them...\n\nhope you found that useful...\n\nx
236671
Start with a call to an attorney that practices in Family law, you might be able to get free representation through legal aide, check the community pages of your local phone book. You could also call your local department of human Services, they might be able to help you or at least point you in the right direction... Remember though, if your parents lose custody, it doesn't mean you will automatically get it...you will have to be proved as fit and capable of taking care of children and be financially stable enough to provide for them. They could end up in foster care or another adult in the family that meets the requirements could take them.
337760
What state are you in? That will make a difference. What you should try to do is find legal aid in your area that will assist with custody cases. That way you'll get legal help at low or no cost.
486514
You are going to have to set some rules. He is going to be in your life, on a limited basis, for years to come because of the children, but you need to set a few things straight. One, he MUST pay child support. Two. When it's his visitation, he picks the children up, and brings them back. Don't let him run over you on this. Stand your ground! He can pay a visit to the jail house.....then he WILL obey the rules. Good Luck!!
648281
Talk to a social worker and see if you can get custody/guardianship for her. Or seek legal aid. \n\nBut whatever you do, keep it legal and open. No tricks, no running away, nothing like that.