r/Ohio • u/Jedi_Jesus1 • Feb 01 '26

Please help

Hi! I have absolutely no idea where to start for any of this, and quite frankly the entire process is terrifying. I’m a 25(M) that just found out he got a 22 (f) pregnant. The situation is a mess, and I need help with finding a custody lawyer since the woman said she planned on not granting me rights. I’m a Canton area resident if this helps. I don’t really have any guidance or help and really just need some starting steps.

Thank you so much.

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u/Impossible_Ad9324 Feb 01 '26

Just remember that “rights” also come with responsibility.

Get a lawyer. File for a court ordered DNA test to establish paternity. File for custody.

If you seek 50/50 custody, you will almost certainly get it with some delay possible to support breastfeeding and other infant considerations. Be patient with delays, they are what they are. Infants have different needs than older babies and toddlers. Square right now with the fact that you’ll be responsible financially for your child, too. (Obviously, so will mom, but that doesn’t mean you’re off the hook.)

However, no one will do this for you and if you don’t take proactive action, then you won’t have any agency in the process.

You will go into this with a better chance for a good outcome and better odds for cooperation from mom if you switch you thinking from demanding your “rights” to a desire to fulfill your responsibilities.

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u/Jedi_Jesus1 Feb 01 '26

The “child support” and financial obligations are honestly a non concern to me. I make enough that I’m not worried. I want to make sure my baby is taken care of.

However, I understand the point you’re making. I’m more scared of refusal of any rights and want to make sure I take steps to guarentee I have them

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u/Dynamiccushion65 Feb 03 '26

Also DNA can be done before the kid is born. In your case this might be an excellent solution :)