Since she left she has abandoned her daughter abandonment is a good case for court; also your daughter has the right ( she is over the age of 11) to choose who she wants to live with. You really have no problem ,get a lawyer and file for custody...also since you both are not married was you name put on the birth certificate at the time of your daughters birth? now we have a form at the hospitals for unwed parents to fill out its called the acknowledgment of paternity . the judge usually ask the child into a private chamber and asks them who do they want to live with, your daughter can tell him then that she wants to stay with you.

