Legal Question in Family Law in California

Help! I need to find out where to start

I have a 7 mo old son, was never married to his father,not even a ''real relationship'' but he signed the B.C. I am living with my girlfriend and I need to know how I would go about making sure my son stays with her ( the father has had no contact with my son and provides no support at all, and has a record), so that my son would not end up with a father that he does not know; should anything happen to me. I am on assistance, but my girlfriend does support and provide all the things he needs above and beyond the call of duty. There are no custody papers instated.

Please Help


Asked on 2/06/02, 9:51 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Ken Koury Kenneth P. Koury, Esq.

Re: Help! I need to find out where to start

you can name her as guardian in your will.

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Answered on 2/09/02, 7:35 pm
Michael Burt Diamond, Burt, & Akhkashian

Re: Help! I need to find out where to start

Certainly there are things you can do. First, if you are in a long term committed relationship, you may want to consider adoption. For your information, once the child is 12, the court will require the child's consent to the adoption.

You can also make sure your son is properly taken care of if you die through proper Estate Planning.

However, both of these methods can be confusing and I would recommend using an attorney to make sure it is done correctly. If you think you are interested in adoption, but you think the father will contest it, then you will most certainly what an attorney to protect your interests in court.

I would be happy to discuss the matter in further detail with you if you wish.

Michael D. Burt

(213)384-2220

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Answered on 2/07/02, 2:20 pm


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