[wunluv]

I am considering seeking sole custody for my daughter. My ex and I have joint custody. The problem is....He walked out for another woman, on christmas morning, 2 yrs ago. He moved to Indiana to be w/her. Me and my daughter are in Fla. He has not seen her once in all this time. When he calls, he only tries to talk to me and tell me about his problems, or that he made a huge mistake, that he wishes he never left. ( I told him that would happen) I have to say, "You want to speak to your daughter"? He'll maybe talk to her for a minute. And this is once in a blue moon.

In the beginning I was all for keeping everything open because he is her dad, no matter how sad of one he is, and that it was important for her emotional health. Now, I'm thinking.....she seems so hurt. Every now and then she will say, "Mom, I miss daddy". It breaks my heart, I don't know what to say other than "I'm sure he misses you too". I feel like I'm lying to her to "keep her ok". but it's not.

I would like opinions here. Should I just seek sole legal custody since he has not bothered to see her ONCE in over 2 yrs?? He didn't even send her anything for Christmas which upset her. And the child support he pays is enforced thru my state. He is a truck driver so he needs his license, otherwise I believe we wouldn't see a dime. I'm just tired of his harassing calls, voicemails, and total lack of love, interaction, or interest in his own child. Is it better for my daughter to just not have him in her life at all, or should i keep putting her on the phone for broken promises and one minute conversations. I'm so torn and just want to do what's best for my daughter.

[brokenherz]

One thing is for sure get sole custody. He is so selfish and you shouldn’t talk to him only if he shows some caring about his child he abandoned. When I was little my father abandoned me. The 5-minute phone conversations did nothing for me. A child needs so much more from a parent and if he doesn’t come to see her she will never know what it is like to have a nice, loving and caring father.

[wunluv]

Yes, he is extremely selfish. My other concern is if I have sole custody, will I still recieve child support? It's a struggle as it is. I don't know if we could get thru on just my income. Also, would I be able to request this thru the state? Or, would I have to obtain a lawyer?

[brokenherz]

I will have sole custody over my baby and I recieve child support. So the answer is yes but get some free legal advise.

[Mz. Pixie]

Yes, if you have sole custody even more reason for you to get child support.

But not if he signs over his parental rights- you don't want that.