If you and the father were not married, you already have custody by law. If you are married, you both have custody by law, and you would have to file for divorce and ask for temporary custody initially and, ultimately, permanent custody. This process could take up to 18 months.

Answer Applies to: Ohio
Replied: 11/7/2011

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Court proceedings may be as short as a month or two (when the parties agree), or as long as a few years. The timing between complaint and final order depends on the actions of the parties (and the court's calendar availability), and cannot be determined in advance. In addition, your ability to receive full (or sole) custody depends on the reason(s) for your request and the other parent's reason(s) for requesting something different. That you ask for full custody does not mean it will be awarded.

Answer Applies to: Georgia
Replied: 11/7/2011

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The child has a right to have a relationship with his father. If the father is abusive, has untreated drug or psychological problems, you can request that the court tailor make the appropriate contact orders that are safe for your son to have contact with his father.

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/4/2011

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A custody action is required to be decided by the court within nine months of the date of filing. It can take longer if the court finds good cause for postponement of the deadline. However, it is unlikely that the court would deny all visitation to the father.

Answer Applies to: Illinois
Replied: 11/4/2011

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Your question is missing a lot of necessary information. For example, were you married to the father? Was the child born in or out of wedlock? Has the child been legitimized in the state of Georgia? If the child was born out of wedlock and not legitimized, you are currently the only legal parent of the child until the father files something with the court. If he files a petition for legitimation or someone files a petition for custody, how long it takes depends on the county in which the action is pending and the parties' willingness or unwillingness to agree. For example, in Fulton County it may take up to 6 months (sometimes more and sometimes less).

Answer Applies to: Georgia
Replied: 11/4/2011

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It all depends upon the facts as to whether or not youwillget your wish. Custody cases are difficult, time consuming and expensive. I can't estimate how long your case would take because you provided no facts with your question. The Court bases its custody decision on many factors, the most importantof which is the best interests of the child. If you are and always have been the primary parent, your chances ofreceiving primary custody are enhanced. However, Courts recognize that children have, and are entitled to, two parents. Only if the Court were to find that the fatheris a danger to your child, or has never participated in your child's life and has no interest in doing so, would the Court deprive your husband of any custody rights. Even if the Court were to perceive some danger, the Court could order that your husband's time with your child be supervised by a monitor (professional or otherwise).

Answer Applies to: California
Replied: 11/4/2011

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Unless the father is a danger to the child. The Court will not deny the father visitation of the child even if you are awarded sole custody.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/4/2011

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If you are looking for a quick overnight resolution, that will not happen. Unless both parties can agree on what the custody arrangement should be custody cases could last for a few months to a few years.

Answer Applies to: New York
Replied: 11/3/2011

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It isn't possible to answer that question without much more information about the facts and the court that will be handling the case. It could take anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending in part how much of a fight there is.

Answer Applies to: Colorado
Replied: 11/3/2011

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Absent a very good reason, both parents will have parenting time with a child.

Answer Applies to: Nebraska
Replied: 11/3/2011

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The court will not prohibit parenting time. There might be supervised parenting time but only if you can establish the father is a threat to the child.

Answer Applies to: Michigan
Replied: 11/3/2011

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There is no simple answer to that. If the other parent agrees to all of the terms of the custodial arrangement, it can be done much sooner than having to litigate custody in court. If you have to litigate in court, it is not uncommon for a final custodial disposition to be completed in a year. Hiring an attorney is recommended.

Answer Applies to: Nevada
Replied: 11/3/2011

Disclaimer: The response above does not form an attorney-client relationship. This answer may or may not apply to you and should not be relied upon as legal advice. LawQA does not make any representation as to the expertise or qualifications of this attorney. This attorney may or may not be admitted to state bar of your state.