What to Do Legally After the Baby Is Born and He’s Gone
- Michael Capleone, Sr.
- Jul 15
- 5 min read
You Were Left—But You Are Not Broken
If you're reading this, it's because something unimaginably hard just happened. You're pregnant. And he left.
The ache in your chest, the wave of fear, the weight of it all—these feelings are real. And you're not weak for having them. You're strong for surviving them. This wasn’t the plan. You didn’t imagine going through pregnancy alone. You didn’t expect to be grieving while also trying to prepare for a new life growing inside you. But here you are. Still standing. Still breathing. Still showing up—for yourself, and for your child. And that is a kind of strength most people will never understand. What you’re facing isn’t just emotional—it’s legal, financial, physical, and deeply personal. That’s why this blog series exists: to give you grounded steps, real resources, and a sense of control in a time that feels anything but. You don’t have to figure everything out today. You don’t have to be perfect. But you do deserve clarity, support, and hope. Each blog in this series focuses on one phase of your journey—what to do right after he leaves, how to survive emotionally and financially during pregnancy, and the legal steps to protect yourself and your baby after birth. Let this be your starting place. And know this: Being abandoned doesn’t make you less. It reveals how much more powerful you truly are.
You've made it through pregnancy alone—now the real protection phase begins. Your baby deserves security, and so do you. Here are the first legal and practical steps to take:
Step 1: Establish Legal Paternity (If Not Automatic)
In Alabama, an unmarried father does not have legal rights until paternity is established.
You can file for paternity through family court.
If he refuses, the court may order DNA testing.
Establishing paternity is the first step to securing child support and future custody protections.
Step 2: File for Child Support
You do not need to wait for him to volunteer.
You can initiate a child support case through the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
Once paternity is confirmed, child support can be calculated based on his income.
This financial support isn’t just about you—it’s your child’s legal right.
Step 3: Seek Sole or Primary Custody (If Needed)
If the father has a history of instability, emotional abuse, or abandonment, the court may grant you primary or sole physical custody.
Document everything: his absence, lack of communication, refusal to help
Bring evidence (text messages, financial records, your written logs)
Family court typically prioritizes the child’s best interest—and that includes emotional and logistical stability.
Step 4: Create a Legal Paper Trail
Keep copies of:
Medical bills and birth certificate
Text messages, social media screenshots, or voicemails from him
Receipts for anything he paid (or didn’t)
This paper trail can help you in court now or later if he tries to seek custody or avoid support. You’re doing more than surviving. You’re securing your child’s future. And you’re not alone in it.
The full guide walks you through all of this in more detail.
You're not alone—and you're not powerless. These simple, but informative and powerful guides that are strategic, legal, and provide sharp emotional tools that work. These guides are inexpensive, give you valuable knowledge, and peace of mind in addressing the issue you’re facing at a fraction of what it would cost to receive this same information from an in-person consultation with a professional.
👇Get this powerful Guide here!
👍 Need more step-by-step legal and emotional strategies? Download these focused guides:
—Written by Michael L. Capleone, Esq. | Alabama Family Law Attorney | All rights reserved.
Visit the website to explore resources: https://attorneymlc2003.wixsite.com/website.
About Michael Capleone, Attorney at Law
Michael Capleone is a seasoned family law attorney based in Hoover, Alabama, with over 22+ years of experience helping clients navigate complex legal challenges, including divorce, child custody, parental rights, grandparent’s rights, military divorces, petition for protection from abuse, CPS and DHR matters, father’s rights, mother’s rights, relationship advice, pets/ animal custody when a relationship or marriage ends, and general family law matters, co-parenting, dealing with a narcissist, emotional recovery, and much more! As a licensed practicing attorney since 2003, is a dedicated advocate for his clients, Michael understands the emotional and legal complexities of family law cases and works tirelessly to secure favorable outcomes in his law practice.
Whether you’re dealing with high-conflict custody battles, seeking modifications to child support or visitation, or facing difficult divorce proceedings, having problems with a toxic ex, trying to co-parent with a narcissist. Michael Capleone provides expert legal tips and topic specific information with wisdom and clarity. He is committed to ensuring that his clients’ rights are protected, and their voices are heard in the courtroom. These blogs and guides that he is creating are meant to provide simple, straightforward, helpful, and powerful practical information for people all across the United States of America and beyond.
These guides are written in a brief and concise way to get you powerful and useful information that you can easily print off in a reasonable small number of pages. Each guide is a concentrated, no-fluff resource — around 4-5 pages packed with professional insight, legal strategy, and emotional survival tactics. They are designed to cover the real pain points people face in courtrooms and custody fights: defending yourself against false accusations, exposing manipulation without looking petty, protecting your financial future, and keeping your relationship with your children strong in the middle of conflict.
For less than the cost of a single attorney consultation, you get targeted strategies built from over 22+ years of real-world family law experience. These aren’t generic blog articles or cookie-cutter templates. Every guide is designed to give you immediate, actionable steps — the same strategies I teach my own clients — adapted for real people dealing with real, high-stakes problems.
If you're serious about defending your rights, protecting your children, and staying one step ahead of a manipulative ex, these guides aren't just helpful — they're essential. They will save you time, reduce your stress, and help you make smarter moves when everything is on the line.
Winning in court isn’t just about having evidence. It’s about understanding the psychology, the patterns, and the legal strategies that judges actually respond to. These guides put that power in your hands. If you’re ready to stop reacting and start taking control, you’re exactly where you need to be!
For more information on Michael Capleone’s legal services or to schedule a consultation. An experienced Hoover, Alabama family law attorney that guides clients through legal strategy, emotional challenges, relationship problems, legal matters and more to achieve the best positive outcomes. Note: Licensed in the State of Alabama only.
This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is unique—please consult with a qualified family law attorney licensed in your jurisdiction to discuss your specific situation. Also, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, psychological, or professional advice. It does not create an attorney-client relationship or any other professional-client relationship. The information provided is not a substitute for consultation with a qualified attorney, financial advisor, tax professional, psychologist, or other expert regarding your specific situation.
