If I have taken the father to court for childsupport does that mean I have custody or do you have to file for it?

First of all does he want to work with you to raise the child?In most states they ask the parents to work out a Parenting Plan which is detailed on the courts family site.If you cannot come to an agreement someone has to have legal custody.At this point noone does.The judge probably asked if the dad wanted to see his child if he answered yes then he problably told you two how to start.If he is keeping his end of deal and you have allowed him to see him and bond then you two should fill out a parenting plan.Guidlines for this is in booklet court gives when you do patenity.If you two can work it out it is better for your child.No one wants court to tell who when and how to raise child.Courts are not so pro moms as they once were,So talk to him work out a plan and decide who gets physical and legal custody,Good Luck

It is good that you are getting child support. You do not have legal custody if you have not filed for custody though the court. However since you were never married this is not an issue. You will get custody. You need to file for sole custody and at that time the court will stipulate visitations for the father.I would not sujest that you ask for joint custody because that will just leave the door open for alot of promblems that you don't need. Also I would also ask the judge that he stiplutes that you can claim the child as a tax dependant if your working and also ask the judge to stipulate that the court order of custody to be helf in the jusristiction of your county and state, so that he will not be able to ever file for custody in another state. I hope this helps you out. Also stipulate that he is not to take the child out of state without the courts approval.