[swt1899]

You know we can't have a day to mourn the loss of my cousin with out her daughter's father starting something. My cousin's funeral was yesterday and after the graveside service, Jessica's father went up to my uncle and said "I'll see you tomorrow about Jessica." I couldn't believe it! Hasn't my uncle been through enough? I wanted to reach over and slap the guy. My dad quickly leaned in after he left and said, "You need to get a lawyer."
Jessica's father is not exactly what you call a desireable person to take custody of her. He has never really been in her life and to top things off, NEVER has paid a dime in child support in 15 years. As far as we are concerned... he has no rights to her... I hope legally he doesn't.
I also learned that he beat my cousin while they were together... that really made me furious. I found this out before the funeral and suggested that he not even be allowed to come to the funeral, but that didn't happen. I really wanted to take him back in the woods and show him a thing or two.
Then as we were leaving the cemetery in the limo her father and his mother called her over to them and told her to come home with them and that she could live with them now. We then called Jessica back to the car. And she told us that she told them "I don't think so." I hope that she meant this.
We are hoping that custody will be given to my uncle. We feel that this is a more stable and supportive environment. Jessica needs structure in her teens and we need to keep this up since she will be going through a tough time getting over losing her mother.
Just pray that things will work out for Jessica's best interest. We all want for her dreams to come true.

[mcmama]

I am so sorry. This is a mess.

Your uncle does need a lawyer. Unfortunately.

But....

Jessica is 15. Very unlikely a court will compel her after losing her mom to live with or visit with an undesireable father who beat her mother.

She needs a stable family, not to be forced to associate with unstable people. She has been through enough. And at 15, she has a say in it.

[FatherLee]

Feelings surface in emotional situations; however, this is a time to retain someone with a solid foundation in the law, but one that will not rip you off and make you even more emotional. Make sure you or someone you trust does due diligence in this area. Not anyone will do.
http://thoughtsfather.blogspot.com/

[purelegance]

if she's 15 i wouldn't worry, i believe in most states if you're 12 or older you can decide who you live with.

[poohsbrana]

I'm sure their won't be that much to worry about. Many states will look at the history of the father. Being a 'deadbeat' dad isn't look upon very forgivingly if you know what I mean. Plus, with her being 15, its mainly her desicsion

[QueenAngie]

So sorry this all happened at the funeral services.

Yes, get a lawyer for everything to be tidy and legal.

((Hugs))