I have a son who is almost a year old and though I have lived with his father for 4 1/2 years, we are not married. we are on the verge of splitting up, and he threatens to take my son, and/or take me to court for custody of him. I was wondering if any one knows what the law is about him taking my son without a court order? His name is on the birth certificate. Please help.

Hi, I am sorry you are having this trouble. If you don't mind me asking, is this man abusive to you? I was in an abusive marriage and my ex used to use that same line to keep me from leaving. You need to find out the custody laws in your state, especially when dealing with unwed mothers. In my state, I believe that a mother has to be found unfit before custody would be granted to the father. I would not discuss these things with him.. get all the information you can and please if you are in an abusive situation, get help. Don't do this by yourself.