The only NSFW thing was the mention of suicide. I wasn't sure if that counted as NSFW, but I want to establish before I get started because of the nature of the sub, there isn't domestic abuse.
My ex and I have been splitting custody 50/50 outside of the courts. I was told to leave two months ago and have been living with my mom since. I have been college student for over a year so I wasn't working. I've been trying to finish the semester while taking care of my daughter half time. I don't have a car. My mom is giving me hers but I need to fix it. I applied to Family Assistance as they provide resources to get back into the workforce. I was told I would need to go through with child support from my daughters dad, so I told him.
He didn't take it well. I understand that. He said he would fight for full custody to avoid paying. Not just "I will fight for full custody", he added specifically so he wouldn't have to pay. I suggested if he let my current boyfriend adopt her, he would be relieved of responsibility to pay. He accepted that he would relinquish. He then added he was having suicidal thoughts and was on the verge of doing so.
I couldn't afford to legally adopt, so I decided to go through with the relinquish of him having custody and I would just honor not making him child support and I would just lose my Family Assistance benefits. I wasn't sure if the suicide was purely manipulation, but I would rather not risk him killing himself.
I didn't know the next steps. I talked to a lawyer about custody, but they wanted $3500 up front, and I don't have that. I'm not even fully certain when I could even afford that as I can't start working without the car fixed (it has been in the shop over a month). But the mention of suicide makes it feel more urgent to take full custody. Do I need to immediately file for full custody in writing if he has already said over text messages that he wants to relinquish rights? My concern is that he might go back on what he stated. I was told by others to call DHR but she isn't being abused so I'm not sure if it is considered critical. Would I be wasting DHRs time with other matters? My daughter is with me right now so she isn't at immediate risk.