Guardianship

[Eldridge]

I HAVE BEEN TAKING CARE OF A CHILD THAT I THOUGHT WAS MINE AND LATER FOUND OUT THAT HE IS NOT. I HAVE GROWN EMOTIONALLY ATTACHED AND WOULD LIKE TO CONTINUE ON IN THE CHILDS LIFE. THE BIOLOGICAL FATHER DOESN'T WANT TO BE INVOLVED IN THE CHILDS LIFE. I REALLY LOVE THIS CHILD. EVEN MY FAMILY HAS GROWN ATTACHED. I AM THE ONLY FATHER THE CHILD KNOW AS WELL AS MY FAMILY. 90 PERCENT OF THE TIME THE CHILD IS WITH ME AND MY FAMILY. LIFE WITH THE MOTHER IS A ROLLER COASTER. I ONLY WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR THE CHILD WHICH I KNOW IS ME AND MY FAMILY. I WOULD NEVER WANT TO CUT THE MOTHER OUT BECAUSE THE CHILD LOVES HER, SHE IS HIS MOM REGARDLESS. I WANT TO KNOW WHAT RIGHTS DO I HAVE REGARDING THE CHILD. THE CHILD IS 3 YEARS OLD. WHAT CAN I DO TO SECURE MY PLACE IN THE CHILDS LIFE? THE CHILD LIVES WITH ME NOW. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR THE LAST 3 YEARS. THE MOTHER RECEIVES WELFARE FOR THE CHILD BUT SHE ONLY USES IT FOR HER NEEDS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO.

[Liwanu]

You really need to see an attorney. You have no legal rights to the child. It is still possible you can seek and be awarded custody but you really need counsel.

[Farnham]

NO I AM NOT ON THE BIRTH CERTIFICATE. THE DNA WAS DONE THROUGH THE COURTS. LEGALLY I AM NOT THE FATHER. IN THE BEGINNING I THOUGHT I WAS. I LEAPED FIRST BEFORE ACTUALLY KNOWING AND FELL IN LOVE WITH THE KID. I DON'T WANT TO TURN MY BACK ON THE KID IT IS TOO HARD. I KNOW THE MOTHER HAS ALL THE RIGHTS AND SHE CAN SNATCH HIM AT ANYTIME. IT WORKS IN MY FAVOR THAT SHE DOES NOT WANT TO BE A FULL TIME MOM. I DON'T THINK SHE RECEIVES ANY MONIES FOR THE CHILD ONLY FOOD STAMPS. IN HER MIND SHE IS TAKING CARE OF THE CHILD. I WOULD NEVER LET HIM WANT FOR ANYTHING I JUST WANT TO KNOW IF I HAVE OR CAN GET ANY LEGAL RIGHTS TO HIM.

[Eldrian]

Are you on the childs birth cert as the father, or did you sign the birth paperwork? How was this DNA test done through the courts or on your own? You may have very few rights unless you file for custody of the child. Mom can technically come get the child any time unless you have a court order, or you are the legal father. If you have had the child full time chances are good you can get custody. Why is mom collecting welfare if the child is not with her? That might be fraud and the state is going to go after the bio father for support or whoever is establishd as the childs legal father. You should book a consultation with an attorney to make sure all bases are covered.

[Burkhart]

Please turn off the caps.
If the court ordered the DNA test and the court has said that has a result you are not the father, you have no rights. You are like a step-father, legally speaking. You have no right nor any duty to the child.