Legal Question in Family Law in Alabama

My daughter was born in Louisiana in 2008. Her father's name is on the birth certificate. We currently live in Alabama, where her father grew up. We are not married, and never have been. If I were to leave him, would I be able to legally move back to my hometown in Kentucky with my daughter? I have already started discussions with her father on this, and he is determined to stay in Alabama. I have no family in Alabama and no support system. I have a poorly-paying job and no car. I want to be able to move back to Kentucky with my daughter, so we can live with my (very stable) mother and I can get a better job (I have job contacts there that I just don't have here).

Her father has been pretty active in her life. He has lived with us since she was born. I do most of the care, save for his mother who takes care of her when I work at my part-time job. He doesn't know a lot about taking care of her when it comes to baths, diapers, and such, but he means well and wants to be in her life. I want him to be in her life, too. No matter how I feel about him personally, I know how important it is that my daughter have a strong male role model in her life. The only problem is that I am afraid the court will say I cannot move back to Kentucky with her. I want him to be able to see her as often as possible. We could trade off holidays, and she could even be with him for a few months in the summer (as long as she doesn't miss any school when she is old enough to be in school).

Is this a very unrealistic idea or is it possible? I do not see how I can live in Alabama without any support system, but I would obviously refuse to leave if I could not take my daughter with me.


Asked on 3/22/10, 4:14 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Mari Morrison Mari Morrison

He does not have any legal rights to keep you here in Alabama.

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Answered on 3/27/10, 4:48 pm


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