Legal Question in Family Law in Arizona

Child custody and visiting rights

I lived with my ex only one month before she delivered. half a month after the baby was born we broke up. We have never been married. Can I ask for joint custody and visiting rights even though she has full custody now.Am only recognised as biological father of my son at the moment and she will only allow for ''supervised visitations''. The baby is 7months old now. I fear that when she marries she will give my son for adoption to her new husband..what can I do or say in court?


Asked on 1/07/09, 3:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Ronee Korbin Steiner Ronee Korbin Steiner, P.C.

Re: Child custody and visiting rights

You should absolutely not sit on this. Get a paternity, custody and parenting time matter going on court. Establish your rights. Unless there is a fitness issue(addiction, domestic violence) you should be able to have joint custody.

Let us know if there is something we can assist you with.

Ronee

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Answered on 1/07/09, 4:47 pm
Jeff Biddle Biddle Law Firm, PLLC

Re: Child custody and visiting rights

Unless there is a reason for your parenting time to be supervised, it sounds like she is being unreasonable. Maricopa County and most other counties (except Pima) pretty much follow the Model Parenting Plan to determine parenting time. For a little child, you won't get a ton of parenting time but you need to have more than you are getting now. In order to get the time you deserve, file a Petition to Establish Paternity, Parenting Time and Child Support with the court. It will also protect your parental rights in the event that she decides to try to relinquish her parental rights and give up the child. Give me a call if you have questions.

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Answered on 1/07/09, 5:48 pm


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