Child custody when father has a previous court case of molestation

Maybe but talk to a lawyer. Yes, pay for one or try to get one through Legal Services. Child custody is a tricky and important issue; get a professional to help you.

None of this makes sense to me.

If the state was pressing charges how was his ex able to get them dropped? Did they not have any evidence other than her word?

How was he able to just sign his rights away. My understanding is that that isn't possible unless someone (like a step parent) is petitioning to adopt the child.

If you've never been convicted of a crime how in the world could it be used against you in any situation.

Jespah is right. You'll need a lawyer. A good one.

One thing they'll probably want to know is why you decided to have a kid with a man you thought was guilty of child molestation.

'How was he able to just sign his rights away.'

This is sometimes done if there is an adoption in the works or the mother wants to break all ties, including any future financial obligations.

I believe one can sign away rights, but not responsibility.

Good question, and one I'll never understand. I taught at a school where one of the kid's fathers was a convicted paedophile, currently serving time in jail. While he was in jail his wife left him and moved in with another paedophile who had just been released from prison.

There's probably a thesis on deviant behaviour being normalised in socially isolated communities which explains it, but I'll never get my head around it.