TX- Son wants to live with Dad

[amanning]

What is the name of your state? TEXAS

I have sole custody of our 2 children. My 12 yr old wants to live with his dad. (I guess its a "boy" thing) His dad has not exercised his visitation rights hardly at all, the last time he picked them up was last Christmas for two days, and his dad has never called.
His family picked them up for two days again for this Christmas, and he saw his dad for 1/2 an hour. He has called his dad a few timeswhen he got into trouble, and his dad said he could come and live with him. But, the grandmother keeps convincing my son that it is all up to me. Wouldn't his dad have to petition the court?
I added up all the time he has missed, and its over 6 months worth of visitation if you put it all together. I'm willing to let him live with his dad for a "trial period" to make up for that. I'd like to put together an temporary-custody agreement and send it over for his dad to sign...... Does it have to be done in court, or can an agreement be made with a notary, or with the assistance of an attorney's signature without the signature of a judge?

 

[stealth2]

You can do it any way you like, but you should be aware that once you agree to allow your son to live with Dad (and it may be the best decision, based on the specific circumstances), there are potential consequences. For starters - Dad can file for support. In addition, Dad can file for custody. You'll have lost any ability to argue that he's unfit since you'll have agreed he was fit enough to allow the boy to live with him.

Think long & hard before you agree to this.