My son's father signed birth certificate shortly after birth (10/07/11). He had minimal contact, but we lived together for one month.

Shortly after we lived together, domestic abuse escalated. I had to obtain restraining order, which was held 2 years following initial two week period. He never filed for visitation, and at last restraining order hearing (which was dropped due to no contact), the judge asked him why he never filed for visitation, as probate court can lift orders for visitation. His excuse was "I can't afford a lawyer," to which the judge replied that no lawyer was necessary. His next response was, "they gave me a huge stack of papers, and, hey, I'm just a carpenter." The judge told him, "that is your son!" Now, I would like to move out of state(MA to CA) and would like to know if I need to get a judgment first. Also, is it likely that I will have difficulty obtaining court permission.