Child custody without order? I want my girl to be with me.

Me and my husband is living together for 6 years and having some issues between us. We are thinking of getting separated, but we together have daughter of 1 year. Can we make an agreement between us to get the custody of my little girl? Will have all rights on her? I am afraid that if I go for a custody order then will it provoke him to take my girl. Please help. I want my girl to be with me.

[Lexus]

Getting a custody order from a court can give you certain legal rights. Getting a custody order can give you:

• The right to make decisions about your child and/or
• The right to residency (to have your child live with you).

Without a custody order, it is possible that you may not have these legal rights, even if you’re the parent that takes care of the child every day. However, if you file for custody, the other parent may also request these rights and it will be up to the judge to decide. The Court will be always considering the best interest of the child, when a case of custody comes before them.