What are my rights as a single (unwed) mother?

[sammi1987]

Hi. My bf and I have been dating for 4 years. we have a 4month baby girl. He recently broke up with me.
I am a fit mother. Iv never been away from my little girl. I take care of her everyday. He left me when I was 8 months pregnant, was never around when she was born, came home drunk, was always with friends, and the friends scenario started up again and he left and hasnt been back home for 2 weeks. Only a few times a week during lunch to see our baby and he hasnt come back home. He said he'll go to a lawyer.
I just want to know what my rights are?
also, she is registered in his surname, what can I do to change it to mine now that we will be on our own?

 

[disagreeable]

You need to file for child support. Both of you should try to work out a visitation schedule you can be content with. It should allow conditions for either party to move away.

 

[army judge]

Hi. My bf and I have been dating for 4 years. we have a 4month baby girl. He recently broke up with me.
I am a fit mother. Iv never been away from my little girl. I take care of her everyday. He left me when I was 8 months pregnant, was never around when she was born, came home drunk, was always with friends, and the friends scenario started up again and he left and hasnt been back home for 2 weeks. Only a few times a week during lunch to see our baby and he hasnt come back home. He said he'll go to a lawyer.

I just want to know what my rights are?
also, she is registered in his surname, what can I do to change it to mine now that we will be on our own?

Your maternal rights are supreme, mom.

You are not only the putative custodial parent, you'll be granted custody by court decree.

I suggest you contact the local court and file for child support.

You might want to contact local women's support groups for help on proceeding.

You can start by asking a local church, the salvation army, or the county prosecutor.

They won't do it for you, but they'll instruct you how to go about it and who to speak with about you obtaining a legal custody order and court ordered child support.

For the moment, forget about changing the child's name.
It is too complicated and expensive.
Seek custody agreement and child support.