Child Custody

questions & answers

Question: I reside in phoenix az and my x- boyfreind resides in north carolina what type of custody paperwork is needed for our 1 month old daughter, he was not here to sign the birth certificate.

Answer: Your question is a bit confusing in that you don't say what sort of custody arrangement you are seeking.  Do you want sole custody?  Do you want joint custody with your boyfriend?  You are presumably listed on the child's birth certificate as the mother.  Your boyfriend has not admitted paternity by signing  form CS-127.  Under this circumstance, Arizona law presumes that you are the custodial parent with all the rights to make legal and medical decisions for your child.  If your boyfriend wants parental rights, he can either sign the form or file a paternity action under Arizona Revised Statutes, section 25-803.  Form CS-127 is a form the state uses for acknowledgements of paternity.  It requires that both you and your boyfriend sign in front of a witness or notary.  It is often done in the hospital when the child is born.  Now, with a one month old, you will need to get the form from the Arizona Department of Health Services website and send it to your boyfriend.  Once the form is completed and notarized or witnessed, you will send it to Arizona Department of Health Services, Office of Vital Records, P.O. Box 3887, Phoenix, AZ 85030-3887.