Legal Question in Family Law in United States Virgin Islands

Do I have any legal rights to my daughter?

I came to New York on September 19th of 1999 because of an excellent job offer. I left my six years old daughter (who had lived only with me for the past six years)with her biological father, in the agreement I will come for her upon settling in New York.

July of this year, I went to St.Thomas USVI (where my daughter lived with her father for 1 year 10 months) to bring my daughter up with me. He had however filed joint custody without my knowledge, he being the parent my daughter would be residing with.

I am seeking an attorney to contest this. However I will like to know if the courts will grant him custody?


Asked on 7/17/01, 1:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Kellie Gasink Kellie Gasink, Esq.

Re: Do I have any legal rights to my daughter?

Yes you do.

Please call me at 212.883.1963

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Answered on 7/17/01, 9:41 pm
Amy L. Finch, 845-362-0387 Amy L. Finch, Attorney and Counselor at Law

Re: Do I have any legal rights to my daughter?

Unfortunately, custody decisions are not ever predictable. You can and should file for custody. You should also get an attorney in the USVI to overturn the court decision there, because you were not notified of the proceedings, and were not able to participate. Based on the limited facts that you provided, I cannot give you an accurate guess on if you will win, but you will definitely lose if you do not pursue this.

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Answered on 7/18/01, 9:28 am


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