Deadbeat dad trying to get custody

[tamari30]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I reside in texas and my child's father is in Illinois. My daughter lived with me but due to my hectic school and work schedule I sent her to stay with my mom for one year.As I type this she is on a plane on her way back home to stay. Her father barely pays child support and still owes me like 20,000 in back support. He also barely sees his child because he puts other things first. As a result my daughter does not have a close bond with him and does not like to spend the little time with him that they do have occasionally. The state of texas finally is working with Illinois to collect child support and now out of the blue he calls me to say that he's filing for sole custody and has sent me a certified letter.( which I have not picked up from the post office) I guess he thinks that my daughter is still going to live with her grandma. In any case, i know he's only doing this to avoid paying child support. I have NEVER interfered with him seeing his child.I even suggested joint custody several times over the years. My daughter is 12 and knows what she wants as well. Should I file for custody of my daughter here in Texas? What chance does he have of getting sole custody?

 

[Shay-Pari'e]

Well, she was not in your custody for a year, so he may have a good chance.

 

[stealth2]

Is the original order from IL?

 

[Halls]

so it is not ok for dad to want custody since he hasn't had her in his custody before but it ok for you to send your daughter away for a year?

 

[acmb05]

What is the name of your state? Texas

I reside in texas and my child's father is in Illinois. My daughter lived with me but due to my hectic school and work schedule I sent her to stay with my mom for one year.As I type this she is on a plane on her way back home to stay. Her father barely pays child support and still owes me like 20,000 in back support. He also barely sees his child because he puts other things first. As a result my daughter does not have a close bond with him and does not like to spend the little time with him that they do have occasionally. The state of texas finally is working with Illinois to collect child support and now out of the blue he calls me to say that he's filing for sole custody and has sent me a certified letter.( which I have not picked up from the post office) I guess he thinks that my daughter is still going to live with her grandma. In any case, i know he's only doing this to avoid paying child support. I have NEVER interfered with him seeing his child.I even suggested joint custody several times over the years. My daughter is 12 and knows what she wants as well. Should I file for custody of my daughter here in Texas? What chance does he have of getting sole custody?

Even if he were to get custody (which is a slim chance) this would not negate the child support he is in arrears on. He would still have to pay you that. Arrears do not go away.