Legal Question in Family Law in Ohio

Sudanese child Custody

My son's father is a US Citizen, born in the US to a Sudanese parents. He was raised in Sudan and his parents are both Sudanese citizens. I have several questions. #1 - Is my son's father not only a US Citizen but also a Sudanese citizen?

I was NEVER married to my son's father and my son has never lived in the same household with his father. Now my son is 6 years old and only now is his father trying to establish legal visitation. How can I get the courts to see that by taking my son out of Ohio (where I live) to Texas (where his father lives) is a risk since he has threatened to take my son? By admission he could easily take my son across the border to Mexico and obtain a passport for him there.

AND - I think I have a very uneducated attorney on these matters. I need help. Can you suggest anything?


Asked on 5/14/09, 3:02 pm

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

Re: Sudanese child Custody

In answer to your first question, the U.S. does not recognize dual citizenship. As far the the U.S. is concerned, your son is a U.S. citizen. Other countries do recognize dual citizenship. Sudan may be one of these countries. Your son may very well qualify for a Sudanese passport. You will need to look into Sudan's citizenship requirements. Regarding your second question, if you haven't already done so, you should consider establishing legal custody of your son through the courts. This also means that his father has parental rights, but working through the court system should place more controls on visitation and out-of-state and out-of country travel.

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Answered on 5/15/09, 6:28 am


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