Need some legal help/advice...anyone? anyone??

[nevaehsmom327]

So, I have this pretty messed up situation going on with baby daddy right now. There are things going on at his house that are putting DD in danger, and I just want to talk with someone who can point me in the right direction as to what my rights are as a parent, and what I can do to either stop what he's doing, or stop him from seeing her.

Are there any ladies out there in the legal field, or anyone who can point me to a lawyer that can help me out for free? It's kind of an emergency too.

Thanks!

[dara1012]

I am so sorry. lawhelpmn.org is a website with free legal help.

[doeeyedgirl]

I am sorry to hear that you are going through this. I had somewhat of a similiar situation years back. At that time, I was told that unless I had been in the home and witnessed this going on or someone else had been that would vouch for this, then I was out of luck.
I know that quite a few lawyers will do a free consultation or the first hour visit is only $50 or so. I have been able to obtain a lot of information this way. Do you guys have a current visitation agreement through the courts that he somehow could be violating and you could bring it to the judge or guardian ad lidem?

I hope that this gets solved for you. Nobody likes sending their kids into dangerous situations.

[nevaehsmom327]

I wasn't in the home, but I have emails proving some of the things he's doing.

Yes, we have a current visitation agreement through the court. The court won't help me at all in telling me what my legal rights are. He's not violating anything right now...he's just putting her in danger. Something I would call CPS on. But since she's not living in the home with him all the time, I don't know that I can call, or what proof I need to call, and what help they could give me on visitation.

[lilmermaid]

DH says if you know something is going on while DD is there you can call the cops in that city to do a welfare check on your child. Explain the situation, you have a custody agreement, you believe X is happening while she's there, etc. It will provide documentation for further proceedings and may just deter him from doing it if he knows you will call the cops when she is there.
I really hope you can get this worked out!!!

[laurac]

Mr Lil is one smart cookie!

[merrr]

Fabulous suggestion Lil!

[dara1012]

I work with vulnerable adults and children in group homes and by law I am a mandated reporter which means if I suspect something is happening I need to call the CEP (common entry point) for Adults or Child protection for children. When you call you need the child's name, home address, DOB. You will also need the alleged perpetrator (in this case DD's dad) his address and what you think is happening. You have to call the child protection number for the county that the issue is happening in. So if you and DD's dad live in different counties you call the county he lives in. They will walk you through the information they need.

Here are the numbers for Child Protection:
Ramsey Cty 651-266-4500 (m-f 8a-5p); 651-291-6795 (eve, wknds, holidays)
Hennepin Cty 612-348-3552 24 hours a day
Washington Cty 651-430-6457 24 hours a day
Anoka Cty Child Protection:
763-422-7125 Monday-Friday 8:00am – 4:30pm
651-792-3022 after hours, weekends, and holidays
Dakota Cty
Child Protection:
952-891-7400 Monday-Friday 8:00am- 4:30pm
Adult C.E.P. and Child Protection:
952-891-7171 after hours, weekends, and holidays

[nevaehsmom327]

Thanks Lil.

This is really hard to explain without saying exactly what's going on, but let's just say I have emails showing things that he's doing/saying, i don't have PROOF that these things are happening for sure. BUT - IF they were happening it could be potentially putting DD in some danger. Do I still call the cops? Tell them what's going on and have them check on him while she's there? It's usually late at night.

[dara1012]

I would personally go the child protection route instead of the police. Child protection will get the police involved or tell you to call the police if they think you should. If you are worried about your daughter's safety call them.

[lilmermaid]

If you don't want to go the CPS route yet then yes call them anytime day or night! Say it's a welfare check on DD though. If he isn't in shape to be taking care of her then you have proof and documentation to help you legally!

[nevaehsmom327]

CPS it is. Thanks so much Dara....I knew if anything you'd be able to help me out here!

[nevaehsmom327]

Thanks Lil!!! I'm not sure what route I'll take right this second, but something will be happening soon.

[laurac]

{{Hugs to you and yours, Amy}}

[jlschlangen]

Hugs Amy. Hope you can find a good & safe solution for your dd.