Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Fathers Custody Right

My wife is not a citizen of the U.S.; however, we are married and recently had a child. In order for the child to receive benefits (healthy start, food card; cash benefits etc...etc., I have been told that I have to have legal custody of ''my'' child in order to file for any kind of assistance. I am the natural father, sign the birth certificate, etc...etc., and I have to prove that I have custody of my child? Please help me to understand my rights and this custody requirement that has me totally baffled.


Asked on 12/22/06, 8:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nancy Fioritto Patete Nancy Fioritto Patete, Esq.

Re: Fathers Custody Right

This requirement is not far-fetched because government-provided benefits require meeting certain criteria. A person who is a citizen of another country, even if that person is here legally, is considered a financial risk to the government. This is because our legal system would have no jurisdiction over that person should he or she decide to leave the country. If you establish custody, then our system could maintain jurisdiction over your child no matter where your child resides because of your legal ties to this country.

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Answered on 12/26/06, 8:26 am


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