Some Ohio parents who have gone through a custody battle know how emotionally, financially and even physically draining it can be. However, all the frustration is worth the gift that can be received at the final ruling. One man is fighting a child custody battle for a child that, as it turns out, is not even his.
The man, a sergeant in the U.S. Army and currently stationed out of the country, and his wife were expecting a baby. Before the child was born, however, the mother confessed the man was not the father. After some thought, he made the decision to adopt the child, as he was adopted and wanted to give this baby the same opportunities he had. However, the day the mother was to give birth, she lied to her husband’s sister and told her the baby died during birth.
The baby was found just days later with a couple who had a forged birth certificate. It was discovered the mother had handed over the baby to the couple, but both parties said no money had been involved. DNA tests confirm that the sergeant is not the baby’s father, but the mother claims she does not know who the father is. Despite the facts that the baby’s mother is against the idea and that he is not the biological father, the sergeant still wishes to adopt the baby. He has filed for divorce, and members of his family are attempting to raise money for legal and travel fees related to the adoption.
The times have changed, and many child custody cases do not automatically award primary custody to the mother. Mitigating circumstances are setting precedents more and more often. Those who are facing a custody battle in Ohio need a competent, skilled professional who will fight for the best possible outcome for the child.
Source: military.com, “Soldier Fights for Custody of Son After Being Told Baby Died“, Kathleen Joyce, May 18, 2018
