I wanna go to the service

[jwalk50]

Hi Im having an issue where I have sole custody of my daughter. Me and the father of my child have a court decree regarding everything from visitation, birthdays, holidays and even child support. Im very young and would like to go into the Marines Corp. but in order to do so I must sign my rights over. My parents are willing to take my child but I don't know how signing my rights over will effect the arrangements in the decree I have with her father. And if I give my rights up does this mean the father has a chance of going to court and taking sole custody?

 

[Proserpina]

That's true - you cannot have custody of your child if you wish to enlist.

Now, why shouldn't Dad have custody?

 

[mightymoose]

Dad has a better chance of gaining custody than your parents do. Your enlistment in the military is a significant change of circumstance that could lead to an entirely new custody order.
However, dad would have to initiate this, and nothing at all would change if he did not.
You will not be able to "sign your rights over" as you suggest.

 

[Proserpina]

It would have to change - a single parent with custody cannot enlist unless they're going NG or Reserve. The parent must switch custody.

And it's a permanent change in custody; the military is very, very clear about this.