custody of children

[Buddha Bubbas]

i have a

[Mum2Bug]

Im not sure how it all works out with his maintenance money but what i do know is that the court would not look at him favourably for not having had anything to do with her before. They take into account the childs best interests and what the child wants before they make their decisions as the last thing they want to do is put the child into a situation that is not wanted or healthy for them.
Good luck with it all. As a single mum myself I know what its like when this sort of stuff happens.

[LilShenanigans]

When a child is 8, they can have their opinion taken into account with the decision(sometimes depending on situation, a child under that age can have their say to).

The court only does what is best for the child, and from what you have said, it is best that the child isn't put through this.
The father doesn't pay child support, doesn't know his child and it would seem he has a rocky past employment history.

I think you would do well going through it, your child has a safe home, a loving family and the financial security... all these things her bio dad can't offer, and even if got visitation rights (VERY unlikely), you have every right to them being supervised. It would also be important to have a social worker keep an eye on how it affects the child (negative/positive) and make further recommendations changes etc...

I'm rambling, basically... your cool lol :D