Can custody change?

[reporter20]

I was never married to my son's father. He is 5 and has never lived with his dad. His dad has been somewhat involved in his life, and is now getting his act together and making visitation happen though we live in different states. He has paid child support sporadically.

I currently live in Missouri and have full custody of our son. He lives in Georgia and now says he wants to have joint custody. I will be graduating from college soon and I'm planning on looking for a job in Georgia so my son could live closer to his dad.

I do not see why custody needs to be changed. He says he wants it to have more say in our son's life and to see him more.

Do courts take full custody from one parent and change it? What would a change to joint custody mean -- What would change?

Thank you!

 

[LegalBeagle]

I was never married to my son's father. He is 5 and has never lived with his dad. His dad has been somewhat involved in his life, and is now getting his act together and making visitation happen though we live in different states. He has paid child support sporadically.

I currently live in Missouri and have full custody of our son. He lives in Georgia and now says he wants to have joint custody. I will be graduating from college soon and I'm planning on looking for a job in Georgia so my son could live closer to his dad.

I do not see why custody needs to be changed. He says he wants it to have more say in our son's life and to see him more.

Do courts take full custody from one parent and change it? What would a change to joint custody mean -- What would change?

Thank you!

He would probably only get a change in custody if you allowed it. If you objected to the change then he would need a good attorney and be able to show a substaintial change in circumstances.

I am not going to tire my fingers with explaining the legal difference between Sole and Joint, only DON'T DO IT !! .. lets look at it this way, whilst you have sole custody you get to decide. If he does not like something then there is little he can do. If he has joint and he tells you he wants something changed regarding the child, you say no.. he drags your ass into court.. so what joint gives him is the ability to make your life hell...

Sounds like fun huh ?