hello

i was only with my daughters father for 3 months when i found out i was pregnant, we split up soon after because i found he had a drink and drug problem. when we split up he told me to have an abortion and that he hated me aswell as a few other things. he rang me once when i was pregnant to have a go at me and i havent heard off him since. he knew i had had my daughter the day i had her as my cousins told him but still he didnt try to get in touch. then out of the blue two weeks ago i recieved a letter from his lawyers saying that he was applying for custody bearing in mind hes never seen her or tried to contact her. we have a hearing in two weeks. please help!! what are hes rights im so scared hes gonna take my baby off me!

thank you

Seriously I wouldn't worry. The most he would probably be able to fight for is access. The law works a) in favour of the mother b) fathers who are not married to the mother have no legal rights to the child c) He would only have a case if you were neglecting or harming the child.

And if he has a drink and drug problem, unless he's cleaned up his act you reallydon't have anything to worry about.

xx

i'm not sure what he can do, but you need expert help, are you in the UK? If you are citizens advice can get you a free talk with a lawyer. Either way you need someone who can prepare a case adn speak -legal. Don't try to do this on your own!
H

The father only has legal rights to access the child if his name is on the birth certificate.