Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania
Custody and Support Questions
I live in PA and my ex boyfriend in IL. I am 6 months pregnant with his child (although he has not signed a VAP yet). Assuming he signs the VAP (he plans on it), he says he wants joint custody. With a newborn, I want full custody with visitation by him. Is that impossible? What percentage of his income in child support would he have to pay? Who has naming rights (he wants the baby to have his last name, but I want mine - especially if the baby is going to be with me)? Please help!
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Custody and Support Questions
You asked about custody of a newborn.
Generally custody of a newborn is given to the mother with very liberal visitation rights for the father. My suggestion, especially if you are mature, get along with the ex, and know that you must do so for the next 18 years, is to be as liberal as you can. Even offer to take the child to visit(s) so he can show the kid off to his family and friends. (This will lessen the likelihood of acrimonious custody hearings).
You really must sit down with a family lawyer and hash out a basic agreement about custody, child care and rearing.
An unmarried mother generally has sole say over a child's name. An biological father would have standing to sue over naming rights but will face an uphill battle. Again, a good family lawyer will come up with negotiation positions and a solution that preserves the most rights for you and keeps the father's wishes in check.
Regards,
Roger
Re: Custody and Support Questions
You asked about custody of a newborn.
Generally custody of a newborn is given to the mother with very liberal visitation rights for the father. My suggestion, especially if you are mature, get along with the ex, and know that you must do so for the next 18 years, is to be as liberal as you can. Even offer to take the child to visit(s) so he can show the kid off to his family and friends. (This will lessen the likelihood of acrimonious custody hearings).
You really must sit down with a family lawyer and hash out a basic agreement about custody, child care and rearing.
An unmarried mother generally has sole say over a child's name. An biological father would have standing to sue over naming rights but will face an uphill battle. Again, a good family lawyer will come up with negotiation positions and a solution that preserves the most rights for you and keeps the father's wishes in check.
Regards,
Roger
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