Questions for the group

[braveheart503]

I have a question for the group:


I just spoke with the Multonomah county Family Court in Oregon,


I was told that I can file a "Petition for custody for unmarried parents"


The clerk said that this petition consist of several documents that come with steps to help one fill out the forms. You can also call the family courts self help department for questions and answers on how to fill out the petition.


I would like to know if I should have an attorney fill out this information, or can I fill this information out myself?

The next step after signing the document would be to


Pay the local sheriff to serve the papers (Petition) and wait for a response.

In this case, I could have an attorney step in a speak on my behalf.



I need some ideas on how to approach this situation.



I must add that I'm out of state as well.


I already know it's gonna be a challenge, I'm focuseing on what I need to do (strategy) and forge ahead.

[shanesluv]

you have an extremely difficult situation on your hands.

 First of all, if you dont have excellent grounds for seeking custody, ie; proveable abuse or neglect or the child is in immenent danger, your probably not going to be granted an out of state custody change.
   The courts are going to look at the impact that move will have on the child. Depending on the childs age. whether he/she is in school, friends and family in the area.
   Even if you can prove possible injury to the courts, your being out of state is going to make it difficult to get custody anyway. Your best option would be if you could move back into the area where your child is before seeking custody.

    There are a lot of links on this site and others that give excellent advice. I'm personally Pro-Se because my experience with attorneys has been highly disappointing. They are too concerned with pissing off judges, thus making it hard to get positive rulings for their other clients.
    Pro-se takes a lot of reading up on state's statutes and rules of court but it saves you a lot of money in the long run and allows you to be heard where otherwise you wouldnt be.

    Just words for thought,
    Best of luck to you and yours,
    Dan