Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

It is impossible to answer your question without knowing more. Where is the mother? Who has taken care of the child for the last 17 months? It appears there is no custody order in place. If he simply refuses the mother to see the child, he better have a very good story to tell the court. If there is no custody order or adjudication of paternity in place and the two of them were never married, I don't believe he has any legal right to the child. Get into court. Ask for a temporary order until paternity can be established and let the court decide what is in the best interest of the child. Good Luck