Re:intake Conference

Updated on November 01, 2007
S.R. asks from Hollidaysburg, PA
6 answers

Ok!! Thank god for this website gives me time to vent! Ok got my date for intake conference for custody. Maybe someone can help me! The custody office contacted me yesterday and left me know that my x did not claim his certified letter regarding the conference.. My first thought great then he won't show! But then i was informed that yesterday they were sending out the same letter via mail, which kept me up all night thinking ok so he's going to show up and after 14 months of nothing to do with these children he's going to get visitation (which of course i will fight to be supervised). But hopefully due to warrants he won't show and i get my custody and walk. Does any one know the steps the courts take. Like they sent a certified letter he never claimed it..Then i thought we went to our conference and at that time if he didn't show then they sent out another letter.. But the custody office contacted me yesterday and said they were sending it out via mail i thought that was done after a no show at the conference. But hopefully this will benefit me..Does anyone know the steps that are taken for the mailing process for custody???? Oh i am so tired of being tired from all of my what ifs i bring on myself i am driving myself crazy!!!!

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So What Happened?

well today is nov.7th and it was my intake conference well again he did not show and i was granted sole legal and physical custody of the children. Wow what a great day it has been thanks for all your responses mama source has saved me yet again...

More Answers

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J.P.

answers from Harrisburg on

Hi S. ~ we did not go through anything for custody we were looking to have my sons biological "father's" parental rights removed. I know in PA (and believe most states) this can happen after 6 months of no contact! So relax, have all your facts written down (I used a calendar)...everything IF he called,left a message, sent a card, the last time he saw them...ANYTHING! And I would suggest that if you don't have an attorney to get one! They know the ins and outs of the law and will really benefit you. Most do a free consultation and can work with you to set up payment arrangements. Hope some of this is helpful. Blessings ~ J.

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S.P.

answers from Scranton on

S., I know that in PA there are child abandonment laws, that state that if the father doesn't have any contact with the child within 6 months, that the mother can claim full custody. Ask your lawyer about this. A father cannot just come and go as he pleases and expect to pick up where he left off. It's not fair the the children.

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S.F.

answers from Scranton on

Well my lawyer did both at the same time, certified and direct mail. From experience I think you would still get custody or at least supervised visitation. It wasnt so long since my ex seen his son and i still got supervised for a bit. But if he has outstanding warrants, sometimes the cops will be waiting for him at the court house, so he may not show. Even if the cops arent waiting for him he maybe to scared to show. I wish you luck!!

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A.A.

answers from Altoona on

When I had my intake they did the same thing. Certifide letter and regular mail... He was a no show and didnt have an attorney there. Which is an option he doesnt have to show if he sends a lawyer. Though my ex did neither and he had warrents as well. I got to decide custody. Know that you dont have to give him anything when you go in if he doesnt show. My attorney was to busy and had another hearing and the lady doing the custody order told me I had to give him something. After the fact I found out I didn't. Ok though now I have a PFA, lol... As long as the person handling your case that day is ok with the fact that he didnt sign for the registered letter then you are in the clear with whatever you want. But do know that at anytime he decides to come back into there lives no matter the custody he can get a lawyer and file for a modification of custody. Its suck but can happen the longer he goes with no contacted the better for you all. Best of Luck and I wish for the best for you and your family!!

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C.K.

answers from Pittsburgh on

The second letter is being sent so that you can honestly say that every effort was made to inform him about the hearing.

I'm guessing you have never received a certified letter. If the recipient is not home, a card is left telling the recipient that they have a certified letter, when the post-office will attempt to redeliver, where they can call if they would like to pick it up, and most importantly, who it is from. Basically, if you ex- picks up his regular mail, he knows he had a certified letter, he knows who it is from and ignored it. So unless he had other concerns about being contacted by a government office (outstanding traffic citations, for example, or is being sued), he knows it is something to do with the custody and chose to ignore it. (He would also get notification that it was returned to sender after 3 attempts to deliver.)

Now, you don't mention if you both have attorneys. If so, he may have not picked up the letter if his attorney told him what it was and when the hearing was - he may have chosen not to make the effort. If there are no attorneys or mediators involved, he may very well not show, because how can he possibly know when the hearing is.

If he doesn't show, and later he tries to claim custody because "he didn't get his day in court", the record of these multiple attempts to contact him will show that he could have had it and chose to ignore it, which will greatly play in your favor.

There is clearly something about your ex that leads you to think he wouldn't show (lack of interest/communication with your children?), so perhaps this is just another way he is showing it.

If he doesn't show and the courts grant you full custody, he will get a letter stating that fact. He could still sue for visitation, but unless he is paid up in full on his child support, it isn't likely the courts will look favorably on him.

Hope this helps.

Kali

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L.T.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Although I don't have any experience with this type of situation, it sounds like you have a lot going in your favor and you ex has alot riding against him. Continue to be responsible with your appts, paperwork, etc. Best wishes to you!

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