So my cousin [Joe, 27] has a situation. He was dating a female [Denise, 24] and had a child out of wedlock in 2005. They continued their relationship up until Spring of 2006. Although they were broken up, they remain active and shared custody of the child.

In 2007 Denise, decided to move to Georgia because she was getting kicked out of her apartment, since her Grandmother had property in GA she moved there TEMPORALLY. Six months after the moved she ran away from GA (without the grandmother's knowledge) back to FL.

In December of 2007, Denise called Joe and told him that she no longer would be able to care for the child and she needed him to take physical custody while she tries to get her life together. He with no hesitation agreed. Joe and the child lived in the same home for a year or so with no help from Denise. It became clear that she would come by and visit with the child only when she makes appointments to get welfare, once her actions became clear, she would go to DRASTIC measures to get the child (Ex; calling the police, filing emergency pickup order with the courts and then 2 days later return the child back to Joe).

But in late 2009, Denise showed up the Joe's fathers house (it was spring break and all the grand kids were there), she made up some story that she was going to take the child to the doctor's (all without Joe's knowledge) and would return him later on that day. She then went on a local news channel and cried out to the world that her and child were living out of their car and that she needed help. YES, REALLY!! How upset were we. When we finally got in touch with her, she said the only reason why she did that was because she was told that once they place them in a shelter she was be able to get a housing voucher in 3 months all this via text message.Not being able to get what she wants from the government. She ran away from the people trying to stabilize a home for the child.

Joe filed an Emergency Custody order with the courts. He was denied because she wasnt able to prove paternity (his name was on the birth certificate). Once he got that straighten out. Denise again, return the child to Joe because she had no where else to go. On the notation that she was homeless Joe convince his grandmother to take her in. She did, for about 3 months. After leaving Joe's grandmothers home (while they were sleeping). Denise came and asked for the child. Once again, she then disappeared.

Early April Joe received a letter saying that he is being ordered to pay child support and today they are ordering him to pay almost $300.00 a month. He is unemployed at this time (doing a training without pay) and the bills him and his wife along with a newborn, he can not afford $300.00 a month. By the way the courts have no idea where she is and she did not show up to court. They are basically living on his wife salary which really isnt that much. What should I suggest to him to do? Maybe file a modification? Legally, what should he do? What should he file?

::SIDE NOTE::

Personally, I think it is VERY sad that the law is on the mother's side no matter the situation.. Denise is an embrassment to me as a woman, has ONE child is clueless on what to do. Trying to get on every free ride possible, instead of getting up off your a**, and look for a job. Or do one better go to school. Show your child something postive. It breaks my heart, when I spoke the child (4 years old), he crys and says that he is missing out on his new baby brother, and on all the fun. He says as clear as day "I ask my mommy, everyday to go to my daddy's house". He is hurting in all this. But society views the mother as the angel. Something got to give. SMH!!