Legal Question in Family Law in Louisiana

What are my rights...and do we have joint custody

My son's father and I were living together but now live in different households 50 miles away from each other. My son is 7 mths now and he's lived with me since birth. My son's father has hired a lawyer for mediation purposes, which its hard for me to understand that she'd work in my favor, but she's sent me this typed up joint stipulation that I have a certain amount of time to look over, sign, bring to a notary, and mail back to her. I really need to know my rights and to really make sure that I'm not getting taken advantage of. My son's father is vengeful and bitter because he can't be in his son's life everyday and I know he would do sneaky things to hurt me, not thinking about our son. And he did sign the birth certificate, but our son has my last name.


Asked on 6/26/07, 1:26 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Nick Pizzolatto, Jr. Pizzolatto Law Office

Re: What are my rights...and do we have joint custody

Mediation is a tool to help people reach an agreement. If you do not like the agreement presented, then do not sign it. If you do not sign it, then the matter will go before the Judge.

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Answered on 6/26/07, 8:22 am
Andrew Casanave Andrew M. Casanave

Re: What are my rights...and do we have joint custody

It all depends who says it is for "mediation purposes". I suggest you hire a lawyer to assist you in reviewing the document (this is much cheaper than hiring one to litigate) so you understand what the offer means.

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Answered on 6/26/07, 8:47 am


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