In Ohio if you aren't married the mother has 100% rights to the child and can do what she wants as far as custody. I think it sucks honestly because there's so many dads that want involved but can't be. See what the laws are in your state. Also check into the birth certificate because if you use his last name or list him as the father it may change things too. Hope it all works out for you. 😊
@mamaways first you to have a free consultation with one to see if you need one before or after. Hard to make decisions like this.
@shecole no I haven't. I'll try to find one. Do I need one before the baby is born or after?
@mamaways have you talk to a lawyer.. Pro bono if u cant afford one?
@shecole I have everything but not sure what can be used because he says crazy stuff then apologizes or uses being provoked as an excuse. His family will definitely lie for him if they get involved and I don't think the physical abuse will matter because like a fool I've went back to him 3 times. He's only done it once during pregnancy (April) but I moved out in March and only visited for doc appointments every 4 weeks. Not sure if he's changed or just doesn't have the time to if I'm only there a week.. We do still argue heavy and my saving grace has been just hanging up when he won't stop yelling or takes the insults too far or I'll block him from harassing and making demands.
@mamaways make sure you keep all texts and everything! You need a leg to stand on in court if it comes down to it.
@rmreed my ex can be lazy too but then again he'd go through hell and high water to hurt me for not choosing to tolerate his crap any longer.
@mamaways I personally wouldn't just because it'll make it easier for his to establish paternity and then establish custody. My child has my last name, it's just my name on the birth certificate...his dad has 0 rights. To get anything he'd have to do a hell of a lot but he's too lazy
@rmreed thank you. Does it really matter if I give our child his last name? I've become set on the name we chose but I've been advised not to
@shecole he threatened to take our son away because I won't follow his instructions and I refuse to be in a relationship with him if he isn't going to change. He doesn't believe in co parenting and said if I wanted out I should've had an abortion. I dont want to have to go to court or anything unless I have to. I tried to give him plenty of chances so I'm sure its not about being spiteful. If anything I just want him to stop harassing me and sending threats. I don't want to box him out but I will if I have to.
Make sure you not doing it out of spike.....using the baby as a leverage.
@shecole @morganmommy79 thank you both