Need advice on custody and visitation issues with ex

[StephieStephie]

Hi folks

I’m a single mother with a young daughter from a relationship with my now ex-boyfriend. We were never married, and he recently moved back to Texas to live with his mom, his sister (who was arrested on drug charges in January 2024), her son, and his two sons from a previous relationship. They live in a 4-bedroom house, but he’s currently sleeping on the couch because the space is tight. His sister has two pitbull-type dogs, and a few months ago, one of them bit a neighbor.

Currently, there’s no formal custody agreement in place, and my daughter lives with me. My ex is two hours away and out of state now. I haven’t allowed him to take her to his mom’s place due to safety concerns and because there’s no proper place for her to sleep.

I was letting him visit on weekends at my home, but it’s become inconvenient for me. I don’t want to clean up after him, and he wants to bring his family along, which feels like an invasion of my home. I’ve asked him to find a place to live that’s more centrally located between me and his sons from his previous relationship, so he can visit all his children more easily. He’s resistant, saying it would inconvenience him because he relies on his mom to watch his children, even though she often forgets that one of his sons is allergic to peanut butter.

I’m looking for advice on how to handle this situation. What’s the best way to approach creating a custody arrangement and addressing these visitation issues?

[FamilyLawFred]

It sounds like a tough situation, especially with the safety concerns and your ex’s living arrangements. I’d recommend speaking with a family law attorney to get advice on establishing a formal custody agreement. That way, you can set clear terms for visitation that prioritize your daughter’s well-being.

[Patel]

@StephieStephie

Hi folks

I’m a single mother with a young daughter from a relationship with my now ex-boyfriend. We were never married, and he recently moved back to Texas to live with his mom, his sister (who was arrested on drug charges in January 2024), her son, and his two sons from a previous relationship. They live in a 4-bedroom house, but he’s currently sleeping on the couch because the space is tight. His sister has two pitbull-type dogs, and a few months ago, one of them bit a neighbor.

Currently, there’s no formal custody agreement in place, and my daughter lives with me. My ex is two hours away and out of state now. I haven’t allowed him to take her to his mom’s place due to safety concerns and because there’s no proper place for her to sleep.

I was letting him visit on weekends at my home, but it’s become inconvenient for me. I don’t want to clean up after him, and he wants to bring his family along, which feels like an invasion of my home. I’ve asked him to find a place to live that’s more centrally located between me and his sons from his previous relationship, so he can visit all his children more easily. He’s resistant, saying it would inconvenience him because he relies on his mom to watch his children, even though she often forgets that one of his sons is allergic to peanut butter.

I’m looking for advice on how to handle this situation. What’s the best way to approach creating a custody arrangement and addressing these visitation issues?

Establish clear communication with your ex-partner about your daughter’s living situation and your concerns. Consider seeking legal advice if necessary to protect your daughter’s interests and establish a formal custody arrangement.

Remember, your daughter’s happiness and safety should be your top priority.