hey, im new to this so bare with me. My name is Rusty...im 20 years old and am having a son in a week. However, my girlfriend of 2 years is only 16..I do love her but i have led a rough life. Dealt with drugs and cheating for along time. I have one felony on my record and some trouble.

I recently spent 5 months in jail for this instance because in illinois its illegal. Once it became public knowledge..even though her or her parents didnt want to i was thrown in jail.

I have now changed my life...i am a drug and alchol counselor for church...a youth leader for church...and am working 50 hours a week. I have been clean for a year now, and have supported Haley(girlfriend) finances...by buying things for the child even when not asked(strollers, etc.)

However, her parents are very bitter to me. Haley loves me and we have a good relationship however, she is still building trust.

Haleys parents(remember she is 16) wants full custody with child support. CAN THEY DO THIS? I am very scared of loosing my son. Who decides if she can have full custody/partial custody/ or any custody.

Is it possible they can take full custody of him...even though i have been there the best i can be? Please help...I really dont know where to turn..this wasent an issue till tonight when i found out they have a meeting tuesday even against Haleys will. But with her being underage and me the only parent that is an adult, can they just slap full custody on the child? And what about child support? can they just slap that on me even though i have been helping out and want to be involved in this childs life?

please help...im lost and new to this...
Rusty Boruff

First Off...Rusty, I'm glad you found us....if anyone can find answer to your questions, this group of people can...so be patient and wait for their responses.

2nd...full custody or not...as the father you should be able to see your son...and even had SOME type of visitaion rights.

So hang in there, ok?

Keep doing right...be an example for your coming son.

dont forget the u r the father in there ..u have right too...is she living with u ??

Since some laws will vary by state, you may want to have a consultation with a family law attorney in your area.
But, your rights are limited until after the baby is born and paternity is established, DNA testing. Basically....being unmarried you have no rights at all until that paternity is established. After paternity is proved you will have rights and responsibilities as the father. The rights will include seeking visitation and/or some form of custody, and responsibility to provide child support. I don't believe that just because she's a minor that her parents will have any upperhand on custody based on her age alone, they would need to show the courts that their daughter is unfit as a mother and you unfit as a father.
Again, if you plan on pursuing this, you will want to seek legal counsel.