#CustodyBattle #LegalAdviceNeeded #ParentingStruggles
Who else has been in a similar situation? 🤔 I recently received a call and a text from the local sheriff informing me that I have child custody papers waiting to be served. I have had sole custody of my daughter for 4 1/2 years now, and her dad has been absent from her life. With a baby on the way, I am feeling incredibly overwhelmed by the thought of dealing with a custody battle right now.
Here are some thoughts and questions I have:
– Do I have to respond to the sheriff’s calls and texts?
– Is it considered “dodging” if I choose not to pick up the papers?
– Can they prove that the phone number they have is actually mine?
– What are my options in this situation?
If anyone has any advice or has been through a similar experience, I would greatly appreciate your input! Let’s support each other in this difficult time. 🌟 #SupportNeeded #ParentingCommunity
You’re not going to avoid a legal battle by dodging service. Get the papers and hire a family law attorney to represent you in this matter.
>they have no address for me
That’s not impossible to get.
>can’t prove that this is my phone number
That’s trivial to prove if it came down to it.
>Do I have to respond?
It is in your best interests to get those papers so that you’re not blindsided by something that will be even harder and more stressful to deal with.
I understand that you don’t want to deal with this, and that now is an inconvenient time. Unfortunately, just dodging service isn’t going to be effective at getting you what you want.
You need to reach out to an attorney *now* so that you can coordinate a plan *now* rather than in a few months when you’re actively giving birth. I recognize that you want to drag things out, that’s fine, your lawyer can help you do that if you explain what you want to them. But dodging service only serves to put you at an information disadvantage here.
Request a continuance if you will have just given birth.
Then request child advocate or therapist to meet with your daughter prior to any visits.
Since there’s been no contact for almost 5 years, you should have a good argument for supervised visitation. Especially with the history of a restraining order.
10 is on the young side but if a therapist backs up that it’s in her best interest to not see her father, she might not have to do any visitation.
Avoiding service and court could get your ex a foothold.
Call the state bar association for a list of attorneys that volunteer their services. The state you are in may have a legal services number.
The best time to hire a lawyer was a few months ago. The 2nd best time is now.
Ignore calls and texts from law enforcement and you probably find them on the doorstep in person. They can find your address, they’ve already found your phone number. Dodging service and putting the phone down on someone acting on behalf of the court is not going to make you any friends there.
There are lawyers who work for free or very cheaply for those who need it – keep stalling and it will be more expensive not less.
Try reaching out to any domestic violence organizations near you, a lot of them have legal advocates who can give you advice and resources for how to proceed, some even have legal clinics that offer free representation. Please for the sake of yourself and your child, do not try to avoid service
If you ignore it, it will turn out a lot worse for you. That’s a guarantee.
Dodging service can allow you to be served by public notice in many jurisdictions, and that can end in a default judgment against you.
I’m not a lawyer, BUT my friend honestly didn’t receive the court paperwork when her ex was taking her back to court…so of course she was unaware and didn’t show up. The judge granted the father sole custody. They don’t need your permission to conduct a hearing without you. It’s 100% in your best interest to contact a lawyer or at least contact the court and request a continuance.
If you ignore this he could get custody by default.
Ignoring it won’t make it go away and could play into the father’s favor. This is your child you’re talking about – one you’ve stated is afraid of her father. Mother up and lawyer up.
Baby daddy gonna wins case by default.
Don’t screw yourself over. Deal with it.
A judge is already involved. The judge can probably request your address by using the info which they already know, and which you have already implied will work. Try to avoid angering the judge.
Very confused how you’re 7.5 months pregnant when you posted a month ago you gave birth 9 months ago…
Wouldn’t they just show up to your house? Never heard of you having to get the papers unless it’s a scam.