I'm in a relationship, looking to get married next ...

Amber — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 16:50:26 GMT

I'm in a relationship, looking to get married next Spring. He has a daughter that hasn't seen her mother since november. I'm looking to get her removed from any possible custody/getting her to surrender parental rights so that I may assume the role as mother. I'm always with them, but am unsure how to go about this in a mature manner? She's a horrid mother that's on drugs and is likely in jail for assult at this time. The child in question is only two.

RE: I'm in a relationship, looking to get married next ...

jkgrandma — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:29:44 GMT

Does your fiance want to have the birth mother's parental rights revoked?

Are there existing court orders regarding custody, visitation, etcetera?

I think the best way for you to proceed is to seek legal advice. You and your fiance should make an appointment with an experienced Family Law attorney.

Write down all of your questions and take that list with you to the appointment along with any court documents your fiance may have (especially the most current Order).

The attorney should be able to advise you as to how best to proceed.

RE: I'm in a relationship, looking to get married next ...

kpopp — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:43:14 GMT

Don't you think this is your future husband's perogative?

RE: I'm in a relationship, looking to get married next ...

belindaesq — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 16:32:16 GMT

The only way you can do this is with an adoption. Mom would have to sign away her parental rights which is highly unlikely but if you can get her to do it, the court will probably OK it but you should be married to dad before you start the process. There will be an investigation of your home as part of the process. This is all done in the probate court and not in the family court. If you want a referral in the San Diego area I can find someone who does this kind of work.

RE: I'm in a relationship, looking to get married next ...

Amber — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 08:01:43 GMT

Thank you three muchly, and pardon delay. Computer decided to infect itself. Yes, I'm aware he should be the one to initiate it as we have talked about it already. I am merely seeking advice of how to start the ball rolling, I know it isn't a 10-minute process lol. There has already been a custody battle that ended in November when he won full custody, with monitored visitation rights to the mother. She hasn't visited once to see her baby, and has not been able to be found to bring the baby to her. And thank you, Belinda, but I'm quite a distance from San Diego =p Not using the baby's name just by some random chance her mother sees this. Don't wanna cause trouble before we're ready for it.