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  • Unwed Fathers Rights?

    Hello, everybody.
    I'm glad I found this forum, very interesting.
    WEll, here's my sob story:

    Myself and a woman were involved for approximately a year, seemed to be going well.
    Then, we found she was pregnant.
    What a shock.

    I offered to marry her, and was intent on providing for the child and us.
    She asked me to move in, which I did.
    Then' after approximately ONE month, she asked me to leave, citing that she did not think the relationship would work.
    I have tried to convince her otherwise, which has only exacerbated the situation. Hurtful things were said by both parties.

    Anyways, she has cut off almost all contact, and refuses to even contemplate joint or shared custody. The baby is due in July.

    I would really like to be an active and involved father, but I am not sure that I would get a chance. I do not have any drug/ alcohol/ violence issues, and have been in a trade, with a steady job for years.
    Do I have any hope, or am I screwed?
    All I wanted was to be a good Dad, but am so freaking scared right now....

  • #2
    If you want to be a father to that child, then there is nothing that she can do about it...

    Right now the onus is on you to get ready for baby... if this is your first child, you should consider enrolling in some parenting classes (Judges like to see a tangible effort on your part).

    Make a few necessary purchases so that you have everything you will need for baby's arrival. Keep the receipts to show the Judge.... it proves that you were making an effort for baby!

    And sit down and try to develop your 'parenting plan'. DO you have people near you that can help supoort you with the baby.... appropriate accomodations, CSA approved carseat etc. Talk to as many people as you can and get suggestions on what shared parenting could look like with an infant.

    Once you have everything like that in place (time is of the essence).... go and meet with a few Lawyers until you find one that you like. As soon as the child is born, file a petition for joint custody/shared parenting. Do NOT delay.... even a short delay can appear as you have given your implied consent for her to have custody.... once that damage is done, it is difficult to undo.

    You are going to have your hands full just because the child is an infant, and if she breastfeeds, you will get only sporadic, short duration access.
    Sure, she could use a breast pump so that you could spend more than 2 hours with baby.... but she wont, and the courts will NOT force her to do it.

    That being said, time passes quickly and before you know it, your precious little baby, is a tumbling little toddler, who can spend more and more time with Daddy!!!

    Comment


    • #3
      The distinction between children born within marriage or other relationships has long since abolished.

      PART I
      EQUAL STATUS OF CHILDREN
      Rule of parentage

      1. (1) Subject to subsection (2), for all purposes of the law of Ontario a person is the child of his or her natural parents and his or her status as their child is independent of whether the child is born within or outside marriage. R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12, s. 1 (1).

      Exception for adopted children

      (2) Where an adoption order has been made, section 158 or 159 of the Child and Family Services Act applies and the child is the child of the adopting parents as if they were the natural parents. R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12, s. 1 (2).
      Kindred relationships

      (3) The parent and child relationships as determined under subsections (1) and (2) shall be followed in the determination of other kindred relationships flowing therefrom. R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12, s. 1 (3).
      Common law distinction of legitimacy abolished

      (4) Any distinction at common law between the status of children born in wedlock and born out of wedlock is abolished and the relationship of parent and child and kindred relationships flowing therefrom shall be determined for the purposes of the common law in accordance with this section. R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12, s. 1 (4).


      Children's Law Reform Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.12


      Welcome to the forum.

      Comment


      • #4
        I was in the same situation - she ran & hid partway thru pregnancy. Thru persistence and lots of help from female friends calling hospitals I managed to 'catch' her (them!) in hospital day after delivery. My souvenirs from that day are a picture of my daughter, and a picture of me having a nice conversation with the 5 rather large armed guards that she called in (I'm a yoga-practicing IT geek, pushing 50, wear glasses, and weigh 135lbs soaking wet!!).

        Then 2 months with no further contact, and I heard thru the 'grapevine' that whe was considering moving 5 hours away to be with her family. So, no choice but to serve her with a motion for access & custody.

        Her response was to throw the most amazing pile of slander at me (together with a request for a restraining order), with the idea of convincing a judge that I was a danger to her and child, abusive, and that there was no possibility that we could co-parent and therefore she should get sole custody. My lawyer convinced me she would win.... and she did.

        Due to her delay tactics, my first contact was when DD was 5 months old - 3x2 hours per week, supervised (I paid for supervisor). Supervisor soon wrote affidavit indicating my complete competency and loving care.

        So my advice is to do EVERYTHING you can to prevent this, to show you will be (and are) a respectful, supportive, co-operative, interested parent. Manufacture situations if you have to.

        This includes starting to pay support voluntarily and regularly, as soon as child is born, according to child support tables.

        I could not get ANYWHERE (in Toronto) to provide parenting courses to a single father who could not bring along a pregnant partner!!!! So, I signed up as a volunteer caregiver at a local drop-in center - they provided training on infant care, and children's first aid/CPR.

        Keep records of EVERYTHING - so much will happen and you will need to be able to refer back to it.
        Last edited by dinkyface; 04-26-2010, 11:21 AM.

        Comment


        • #5
          In hindsight - you may want to advise the other parent by letter that you wish to be named on the pending child's birth certificate (long form) as a parent as well.

          Comment


          • #6
            Originally posted by representingself View Post
            If you want to be a father to that child, then there is nothing that she can do about it...
            If only that were true.

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by logicalvelocity View Post
              In hindsight - you may want to advise the other parent by letter that you wish to be named on the pending child's birth certificate (long form) as a parent as well.
              Yes!! This is important! (my ex kept 'making mistakes' in filling out the paperwork to get this done after the fact).

              This letter may help you later in court, but legally there is nothing to compel her to name you as father on the birth certificate, even if there is no doubt about parentage.

              And also, think about whether it is important to you that your child carry your last name. If you can be present in hospital when she is filling out the birth registration you might be able to make this happen. If parents cannot agree on the name, then the Ont Vital Statistics Act says it should be hyphenated, in alpha order. If you cannot get this done at birth, then at the very least, indicate (in writing) that this is your desire so that she cannot claim that you consent otherwise.
              Last edited by dinkyface; 04-26-2010, 11:27 AM.

              Comment


              • #8
                Thanks everyone... I really am lost, and I don't have the slightest clue as to what to do.
                I am in Alberta, by the way... does the name thing still work here?

                Comment


                • #9
                  First thing - protect your custody and access options!!! If you are getting stuck there, don't get distracted by naming!

                  Start reading and reading and reading. Assuming it gets to the lawyer/court stage, you want to be as well educated as you can be, since you cannot just place your fate blindly in the hands of a lawyer. You need to retain control of what you want.

                  Get some initial consultations with a few lawyers, and learn what are the possible scenarios that might unfold, and get a plan.

                  Assume everything legal you need to learn is on the internet. Search, search, search.

                  Just get out and do it. You do not have any time to waste throwing your hands in the air and wailing.
                  Last edited by dinkyface; 04-26-2010, 07:04 PM.

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    These two words never go together in family law: Fathers and Rights. Sooner you accept this the better it is for you.

                    Your best option is to negotiate and avoid going to court at all costs. If that does not work and the child is born, go to the court the very same day and ask for immediate hearing for access. If you need to understand why I am saying this, search for Status Quo on this forum or any family law information website.

                    By the way, you should be very nice to your ex and avoid saying hurtful things at all the times. Even when she starts it you should not retaliate in the same manner.

                    Good luck to you and your child.

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      If she indicates that she wishes to breastfeed, let her. It's in the best interests of the child, HOWEVER indicate IN WRITING that this is an INTERIM and TEMPORARY consent to ensure the child gets the best start in life and you want a 50-50 shared parenting arrangement as soon as the child is weaned. (ladies correct me here, usually like 6 months right? when they can start having some solids)

                      Document EVERYTHING, agree to NOTHING verbally that you don't immediately confirm with an email followup.

                      Check with your local vital stats office regarding the name thing if you wish. Send her an email indicating your wishes to be included on the birth certificate and to have the name hyphenated at the very least.

                      Your local Red Cross organization usually can offer infant CPR courses. Sign up and take them. Look for any parenting classes you can find and take those too. (Even if they refuse you because you are a single father, simply document the fact that you tried)

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                      • #12
                        Originally posted by NBDad View Post
                        Look for any parenting classes you can find and take those too. (Even if they refuse you because you are a single father, simply document the fact that you tried)
                        If anyone denies you the opportunity to take any classes, claim discrimination (that's exactly what it is) and call the Ontario Ombudsperson and the media.

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                        • #13
                          Originally posted by ONdad View Post
                          If anyone denies you the opportunity to take any classes, claim discrimination (that's exactly what it is) and call the Ontario Ombudsperson and the media.
                          Like I said, I'm in Alberta, but I'm sure there is a similar office here.
                          Thanks everybody. I'm scared shitless, but at least I have a few irons in the fire. I don't think she will co-operate, but I'm gonna try my damndest.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by Motorizer View Post
                            Like I said, I'm in Alberta, but I'm sure there is a similar office here.
                            Thanks everybody. I'm scared shitless, but at least I have a few irons in the fire. I don't think she will co-operate, but I'm gonna try my damndest.
                            someone once said ... be prepared not scared .... A good place to start is the Alberta Justice Site:

                            Alberta Courts > Provincial Court > Family Justice Services > Family Law Act

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Originally posted by Motorizer View Post
                              I don't think she will co-operate..., but I'm gonna try my damndest.
                              Oh oh, sounds a bit confrontational...maybe I'm reading too much into it.

                              Until the child is born, I think the only things you can do 'with her' are to be unintrusively supportive in whatever way you can, and let her know of your intentions and preparations to be a fully involved co-parent. Just keep in regular, low-key (but non-harassing) contact, not forcing anything. You must know her triggers, so don't push them - be smart. Then hopefully after the child is born, it doesn't all blow up (and of course you will be prepared if it does).

                              Avoid visiting her on her turf ... abuse/harassment allegations are very easy to generate out of the littlest thing.
                              Last edited by dinkyface; 04-27-2010, 09:38 PM.

                              Comment

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