Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
12 Yr Old not Realated
I have a 12 yr old boy living w/ me, friend of my boys. Just him and his father, father lost their apt. and son is w/ me. Can't get any answers from dad but things he's said looks like son is staying here indefinite. Don't want to alert authorities but don't know what my rights are either. He has not given me any money to help and I don't know what to do. I have asked father if we could write up some kind of letter giving me temp custody so I have authority for things, ignored my request, then says things like we need a break from each other, maybe he needs a womens influence(mother left long ago), tell him I love him and good luck, needs to grow up. I don't want this kid to get lost in the system and I don't need to get stuck with another burden. He's not a burden but cost wise he is. I am separated from my kids father(jail-not coming back), no support $$ there and now I'm not getting anything from this kids father, although he said he'd drop money off from time to time. I know I will have to go to authorities at some point but I would rather Lugar stay with me than get lost in the system if that be the case. I'd rather him with his father but who knows if thats going to happen. What do I do?? I don't have any $$ for lawyer.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: 12 Yr Old not Realated
You could go to the county courthouse and apply for custody of the child. If you obtain custody the father will have to pay child support.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
800 273 7933
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
Re: 12 Yr Old not Realated
You could have the father sign a document (easy for me to prepare) giving you temporary custody for period of 6 months. To get money from him will take a Court order, and you could try to just file an action seeking custody of the child. You may succeed, or may not. The child needs a decent place to live, and your current situation is very unstable.