Do I need to give my teen's biological father legal custody if she's moving in with him? why or why not?
350301
I am assuming that you had legal custody and he had visitation rights?  \nTo my knowledge that should not effect her ability to get services from the state.  As long as she is a resident of IL she should continue getting benefits.  The only people that would care who has legal custody is you, her, and her dad.\nKeep in mind - if she lives with him - you could be liable for child-support payments to her dad.
1187063
Man, I just went through this! If her bio. father pays child support, then yes he must be contacted to sign away his rights even if she has NEVER laid her eyes on him. If he doesn't pay or contribute in any way, when your child has gone without ANY paternal support for 5 consecutive years, then all you have to do is run it in the classified ads in your town for 4 weeks. The newspaper will give you an affidavit and you will have to sign one stating that you have not received any support from her bio. father. After that point, it is pretty smooth sailing. Hopefully you won't get an A-hole for a judge like I did... the same judge that ordered my son's father to only pay $96 a month for support <--- Please try to hold your laughter until the end of the paragraph. Thank you.
353627
you have 6 month from the time your divorce was filed here in ca.  If I were you, I would consult a Lawyer.  He has no business being a father.  He sounds very unfit.  Sounds like you have very good grounds.  First though what I would recommend is documenting. for example, I keep all emails I send to my ex that way if need being I have the written proof for the court.  basically say to him, that he was scheduled to pick so and so up, but you got a call from the school saying no-one pick her up.  something along those lines.  without documentation, you won't have a chance.
989870
Custody should automatically revert to his living parent unless there is some reason to prevent it (unfit living conditions, parental abuse, termination of rights, etc).  Otherwise parents have a right to their children before all others.\n\nIf his grandmother wants custody of him, she either has to get the father to agree or sue him for it.
866390
I am not sure why your daughter was sent to live with your mother, but it sounds like something similar that I went through. I had moved away from my children at one point and it was only supposed to be temporary. I had to write a letter stating specifically that my mother had temporary custody and made decisions on behalf of my children. This is what the local DSHS office wanted to get my children enrolled in medical. And as far as enrolling them in school, I had to contact the school and tell them that my mother would be acting as their guardian in my place. So, as long as this situation is only temporary, I see no reason why a written letter from you and a few phone calls from you wouldn't be sufficient.
664085
Oh that wouldnt be the end...First  miss thang...there is DNA test and courts of law...second with youre sparkleing personality I'm sure the hell dished out went both ways third ... how in the hell do you do that to your child it definitely shows that the conflict is your fault sister...but its no problem really he will just take your ass to court and get custody...been there and done that. Talk to my ex she thoght it was cute to give my daughter a different name now I have custody and she pays support. court agreed to a name change. no problem.
511208
Why are u protecting him for you were a minor he is adult why would any parnet let a child at 15  move in with this  dude, don't think now any can be done if all the truth came out Good Luck
55766
Well, with the joint custody arrangement, it's pretty much impossible for you to move to NM without giving up your shared parenting rights. You need to weigh the decision for yourself. Is your girlfriend special enough for you to sacrifice being with your children as much? It's a tough situation, but one that may not be feasable until your children are older. Unfortunately, in todays world with the computer technology, and being able to communicate with people all over the world, these decisions aren't as easy as they were 10 or 20 years ago. It was much simpler to find someone within driving distance, fall in love, and go from there. I hope whatever your decision is, it is a healthy one for everyone involved. I wish there was a cut and dry solution to your dilema. Good luck!
936328
Yep, I agree with the above poster.  My papers read pretty much the same here in NY.  Joint custody means that you both have equal rights when it comes to major decisions, school records, medical records, etc..  The primary physical placement is telling anyone who needs to know (schools, law enforcement, etc) that he LIVES with you and VISITS with father. Basically that you are the custodial parent.  According to my lawyer that physical custody pretty much gives me 51% of the decision making in case of a major disagreement.  And our mediator agrees.. It means that I have to listen to his side and fully weigh it before making any major decisions for our 2 daughters (doctor's, therapists, schools, camps,  and so forth).  Your best bet may be to contact a lawyer (many have free consultations) to neatly define both of your rights.  Best of luck to you
281932
For the most part, I don't condone divorce, and I also understand that there are 2 sides to every story, but if what you are saying is true, then you shouldn't have to put up with this behavior.  This is emotional abuse, and you need to keep in mind that this not only affects you, but it will have a lasting impact on your daughter if his behavior doesn't change.  \n\nThe father becomes the role model for the type of man that your daughter will look for when she gets older.  So, you need to ask yourself if this is the type of man that you want your daughter to be attracted to?  It's easy to get caught in a generational sin/issue.  Meaning, we do often tend to end up like our parents, unless you make a conscious decision to break out of this pattern.  \n\nMen (and women too), can take their significant other for granted when that person puts up with the other person's issues.  Sometimes it takes a bold step to wake the other person up and make them realize that if they don't make changes in their life, then they can lose that life as they know it.  If you should decide to make that step, then you are NOT the one who needs to move out and make the drastic life change...he should.  Don't make this easy for him by letting him keep what he's comfortable with.  He needs to be held accountable for his attitude and actions.  Only then will he be forced to make a decision about what's truly important in his life.  \n\nLastly, if he decides that he wants to stay, don't let it be a temporary change.  If he starts to fall back into his old pattern, hold him accountable.  Remember, the life you live doesn't affect only you, it will also have an impact on your daughter.
30044
Absolutely not, he has no relationship with them according to the law. He is not their father, not even as step father. You have nothing to worry.
815994
The adoption procedure will grant you custody and will terminate all legal and parental rights of the biological parents. Everything should be taken care of by the adoption attorney. It is your choice whether to allow the biological parents to interact with the child. Personally, I would allow it if it is done in a non-disruptive manner (they may have to be "aunt" and "uncle" until you decide it is appropriate to tell her she was adopted.) The adoption attorney should be able to draw up a power of attorney to cover legal decisions until the adoption is granted. It shouldn't take long since the mother has relinquished her rights and the father is willing to sign his away, too. You are doing a wonderful thing by adopting this child instead of letting her go to strangers. Good luck!
195857
First, depending upon what state you are in, moving in with your boyfriend could get him tossed into jail.  Check out the age of consent in your state.\nIn most states, by the time you are 18, you can move out and do what you wish.  In the meantime, you must learn how to deal with your father on this issue.  He may not understand and may never agree, but you do need to let him know about the depth of your feelings for your boyfriend.
1130705
What state do you reside?...Do you have parenting plans?..The courts agree to anything that benefits the children...however in the state of NJ...It is illegal during the other parents time.  Since camp benefits the child the step-mother/bio-dad needed to get WRITTEN permission from you....Your visitation should be followed to the T.....If the bio-dad  takes a week that was yours, then you should have the right to receive another....You see...This is VERY COMMON & should have been discussed prior to causing this situation NOW....Trust me there will be others....DO NOT let her make you MAD ....You will only make this situation worse...There will be more situattions that will come about during your childs teenage years & you can set the tone of how you handle this situations NOW....Be the bigger person....Go to the Family Court in your town & check out your rights...you do NOT need a lawyer....Think about it...Your child will benefit from CAMP....I'm sorry that this is happening to you!
87262
Even if it is legal where you live, it is never a good idea.  The worse problems caused would be the additional stress this would place on your parent/step parents and their relationship.\nYou are better off loving her as a sibling.
467399
Depends on the state.  Many states give the children some say in where they want to live after they turn 12.  If there is a reason why your father doesn't have custody (i.e. abuse) then that may prevent you from moving.  You should discuss it with both of your parents to find out if they agree.  If they both agree then it shouldn't be a problem.
861667
I'm sure she could go to her attorney and file  a motion to change the terms of their agreement.  However, I would urge her to be cautious when it comes to the issue of having someone (a b/f) move in with her.  It's not healthy for the kids to get use to someone who may not always be around.  Have her make sure the relationship is going to last - marriage would be better.