full custody?

[dolly5x3]

Does anyone know anything about getting full custody of a child? I have a son who is 8 months and I do not feel he's safe being with his dad. While we were together and even after we broke up he was abusive. There have been multiple times when he punched me when he was mad, including once in my face while I was pregnant. He is also violent towards his family members especially when he drinks. On this past new years after throwing a picture frame at me that left a cut on my forehead he pushed his 11 year old niece into a wall for saying something. Another situation that makes me want to gain full custody was when my son was only a couple months old and it was the early morning and he wouldn't stay asleep when his dad put him down and he got mad and screamed at him twice once he did fall asleep. Also when my son was about a month old he was arguing with me and pulled my hair(my son was in my arms) I tried walking out the bedroom door and he pushed me backwards while I was still holding my son. Now that I finally got myself to leave him I don't feel comfortable with him picking him up since I won't be around to protect him. I haven't let him pick him up for at least a month now. Since my son has been born I haven't really felt like he's really cared to see him or spend time with him. It seems like he uses him just to see me. For example on fathers day he asked if I would come over with my son and when I told him I didn't want to he didn't ask to pick up our son or even stop by to see him that day. He still texts me and threatens me if I would ever be in a relationship with someone else. I just feel like he worries more about me than he does his son. I could never co-parent with him because of the way he is and I'm afraid of him. He is not on my son's birth certificate and isn't paying any child support so he doesn't have any rights to him right now. I'm afraid if I continue to not let him see him he will take me to court to get visitation. It's been stressing me out so much lately because all I want to do is protect my son. Does anyone know if he would still be able to get partial custody even with how violent he is? I just don't know what I can do

 

[dolly5x3]

I forgot to mention he has schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He sees a therapist and is on medication but it doesn't seem to help with his anger because he is still violent.

 

[Ceejay123]

Are you in the UK or USA?

Go to the police - About everything. Every little piece of violence, any evidence you have.. get it logged. x

 

[dolly5x3]

Usa

 

[Selaphyna]

You can always call a lawyer that specializes in family law, and they should be able to give you a free consultation. Also check with your local court house to see if there is a day that lawyers come in to talk to the public for free to give legal advice.

In my old town, they did this and I went to them to talk about my fears of custody for my son.

Also make sure you document everything that is said, or that he is done. See if you can get any evidence to help your case if that should ever come up.

 

[Dezireey]

You must completely remove yourself and your child from this mans presence. This man is capable of hurting or fatally hurting you or your child and I suggest you go to the police about this. These are early warning signs and you need to act on them. Yes, get full custody and yes, it should be easier if he is not on the birth cert or doesn't pay support. I hope you are safe, this is a dangerous man and you need to keep your child well away from him.

 

[BeachMom]

First off, document everything. Every threat, every time he has put his hands on you, etc. and then file a restraining order. Along with that, file for sole custody. I see no reason why you would not be awarded sole custody. My ex wasn't even abusive, but the fact that he didn't show up in court to respond was enough.